VIDEO: Ducks Edge Avs

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks took on the Colorado Avalanche in a matinee affair at Honda Center. Derek Grant(upper-body) and Nick Ritchie(lower-body) would not play in this contest. Ryan Getzlaf returned to the lineup after being out for five games and Kevin Roy was called up to play on the top line. John Gibson was in net against Philipp Grubauer.

First Period

The Ducks scored just over three minutes into the game as Silfverberg rocketed shot over Grubauer knocking the lid off the water bottle in the net. The Ducks had one powerplay chance in the period but did not convert. Colorado had three power play opportunities in the opening period. The Avs couldn’t score on the first two power plays and finished the period with the extra man.

Second Period

The Avs opened the period on the power play, but couldn’t convert. A few minutes later the Ducks went on the power play and scored for the first time in a while with the extra attacker. Cam Fowler took a point shot that appeared to be tipped by Silfverberg but was actually deflected by Colorado’s Matt Calvert and went past Grubauer. In the second half of the period, Ian Cole kneed Devin Shore. It was a vicious hit that sent Shore to the locker room for good. Cole was given a five-minute major for kneeing and a game misconduct. The Ducks did not convert on the five-minute power play and led 2-0 at the end of the period.

Third Period

Early in the period, Josh Manson was sent to the box for hooking. Derick Brassard would get open at the side of the net and score to bring the Avs within one goal. Later in the period Daniel Sprong had a partial breakaway attempt, but Samuel Girard lifted his stick at the moment truth preventing a good scoring chance. Colorado continued to put on pressure outshooting Anaheim 10-4 in the period. The Avs pulled their goalie in the final minutes of the game, but Gibson stood tall and the Ducks held on for the 2-1 win.

Analysis

The Ducks finally ended their five-game losing streak. This was a rare balanced performance in all aspects of the game. The Ducks won 56% of the face-off battles and had 15 blocked shots. Anaheim did give up a power play goal, but they also finally got one of their own. Anaheim could have put this game away in the second period with the major penalty against Cole. Overall the Ducks played better in front of their own net in order to secure the two points.

Team Notes

Silfverberg scored his team-leading 17th goal, which was also his 100th career goal.

Brendan Guhle picked up his first point as an Anaheim Duck.

Fowler scored his 57th goal, which puts him in second place amongst goals scored by an Anaheim defenseman.

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March 4th, 2019