VIDEO: Getzlaf Delivers In OT

Photo: The Canadian Press

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks continued their road trip against the Carolina Hurricanes. John Gibson was in net against Curtis McElhinney.

First Period

The Hurricanes came out flying in this period registering 21 shots on goal. Both teams had power play chances and couldn’t convert. Towards the end of the period, the teams exchanged penalties and played 4-on-4. Despite John Gibson making numerous saves to keep the game scoreless, Carolina’s Andrei Svechnikov scored during the 4-on-4 play. The Ducks just managed six shots on goal in the period.

Second Period

Early in the middle frame, the Ducks were shorthanded two times and were able to kill off both penalties. Ryan Kesler had a great scoring chance as he got free in front of the Carolina net, but he couldn’t get it past McElhinney. There was no scoring in the period, but the Ducks started to battle back appearing to gain momentum. Anaheim outshot Carolina 8-5 in the period.

Third Period

The Ducks continued to apply pressure in the third period. Pontus Aberg had a wraparound chance early in the period, but he was denied. Phillip Di Giuseppe then had a breakaway chance, but Gibson made a great glove save to keep it a one goal game. Ryan Getzlaf almost tied with a blast from the point, but it hit off the post. Aberg would eventually tie the game on an unusual play that had to be reviewed. Adam Henrique tried to bring the puck from behind the net and the puck deflected up in the air and then came down toward the front of the net. Aberg and Henrique both swung at the puck and the review showed Aberg batted it into the net. The replay also showed the puck was not hit by a high stick. The teams went to overtime tied at one.

Overtime

In the extra session, Hampus Lindholm found Getzlaf behind the defense for a clean breakaway. The captain went high glove side and under the crossbar for the game winner.

Analysis

The Ducks got off to a terrible start in this game and were constantly being bailed out by Gibson. It appeared Anaheim might survive the first period until Carolina was able to get a goal in the final minutes. Anaheim did come out in the second period and started to respond. Despite being shorthanded six times, the Ducks were able to kill off all the penalties. They also started to help Gibson out after the first period and eventually had 17 blocked shots. It wasn’t a pretty game for Anaheim, but they found a way to tie it in regulatoin and then win in overtime.

Game Notes/Stats:

This win marked Anaheim’s 400th regular season road victory.

Getzlaf scored his 9th overtime goal, which is a franchise record.

Aberg and Getzlaf lead the team with seven goals.

Henrique has a four-game point streak.

For the second time, this season the Ducks have a three-game winning streak. They had won their first three games to start the season.

Carolina suffered their first loss this season when wearing their alternate black jerseys. They were 4-0-0 previously.

Roster Moves/Injury Updates:

Lindholm was activated off the IR.

Kalle Kossila was sent down to San Diego.

Ben Street cleared waivers but still remained with the team.

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December 1st, 2018