VIDEO: Ducks Double Up Hawks

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Ducks returned to Anaheim for a contest against Chicago to being a four-game homestand. John Gibson was in net against Corey Crawford.

First Period

The Ducks came out flying in the opening period outshooting the Blackhawks 9-1 early on. Anaheim would score two goals within 21 seconds to build a 2-0 lead. Brandon Montour would take a point shot and it went over the shoulder of a screened Crawford. Then newly acquired Daniel Sprong would score from a difficult angle taking a shot at the side of the net that would graze Crawford’s back and go into the top of the net. Towards the end of the period, there was a crazy sequence in front of the Anaheim net, but Gibson and Pontus Aberg were able to keep the puck out. The Ducks carried the 2-0 into the second period.

Second Period

In the middle frame, the Blackhawks would respond. Erik Gustafsson would get a cross-ice pass and then beat Gibson with a shot just inside the post. The Ducks had a couple chances to go back up by two goals, but Aberg and Ondrej Kase would get denied by Crawford on separate chances. With less than a minute to go in the period, Alex DeBrincat would receive the puck and bat it past Gibson despite being off balance. The teams headed to the third period tied 2-2.

Third Period

The Ducks would regain the lead early in the period as Kase would shot glove side and beat Crawford over the shoulder. Chicago beat Gibson a few times in this period, but fortunately for him and Anaheim, the shots hit the post. In the final minutes, Chicago pulled Crawford for the extra attacker. As he reached the bench, Jakob Silfverberg intercepted a pass and scored an empty net goal to put this game away.

Analysis

Anaheim came out strong in the opening period building a 2-0 lead. Chicago was able to respond in the second period, but Anaheim was able to then pull away in the third. Newcomer Sprong was impressive in his first game. He had four shots on goal, one hit, and the second goal of the game. He was skating hard at both ends of the rink throughout the contest playing alongside Adam Henrique and Nick Ritchie. Anaheim was also able to keep Chicago’s big guns in check although the posts did help the Ducks at least four times in this game.

Game Notes/Stats:

Daniel Sprong scored in this first game as a Duck.

The Ducks extended their winning streak to five games.

Want to start your sports media career? Then Join The Puck Network!

DucksNPucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team. What are you waiting for? Start your sports media career TODAY!

December 6th, 2018