VIDEO: Hellebuyck Shuts Out Ducks
By Kyle Miller
ANAHEIM, Calif — The Ducks managed to get twenty-four shots on net. None of which made it past Connor Hellebuyck, who blanked the Ducks en route to a Jets win at Honda Center Friday afternoon.
The game started with some fireworks when Anthony Bitetto knocked Ondrej Kase down at center ice in the opening moments of the first period. Kase was hit up high by his head and immediately when down on the ice. Erik Gudbranson went straight after Bitetto and the two went at it with Gudbranson throwing most of the punches. Both players received penalties, but Gudranson also earned a 10-minute misconduct. Kase was eventually able to return to the game. There was no scoring in the first period.
Winnipeg opened the scoring at 1:08 in the second period. Neal Pionk launched a one-timer through heavy traffic that found its way into the back of the net. Wheeler and Laine were given the assists on the power play tally.
Nikolaj Ehlers extended the Jets lead to two at the midway point in the second. Great passing from Blake Wheeler opened up a lane for a hard wrist shot that John Gibson was never able to see thanks to the screen in front set by Josh Morrissey. Wheeler and Morrissey also earned assists on the play.
Black Friday Sale! Most Shirts Are Just $2!
In the third period, Mark Scheifele dished a pass from behind the Anaheim net to a wide-open Kyle Connor, who wristed one top shelf, and added a buffer to the Jets lead.
Despite outshooting the opposition, the Ducks were unable to solve the Jets goaltender. The loss drops the Ducks to 11-12-4 on the year, and the squad remains second to last in the division.
Analysis
It might be time for Bob to pick up the phone and look for some help on offense. The stats that the Ducks have generated this season on offense has been very troubling, and don’t bode well for the remainder of the year.
Anaheim’s defense has been average, and the goaltending continues to keep this team afloat, but the offense is the glaring issue for the squad to rectify.
The Ducks rank 26th in the league in Goals For Per Game at 2.63. Conversely, the team is allowing 3 goals per game. Anaheim’s ranks second to last in the entire league on the power play (converting on only 10% of opportunities), and third to last in shots per game.
The Ducks are also near the bottom of the league in shot attempts compared to their opponents (-114).
Team News/Notes
The Ducks are now 2-5-3 in their last ten games.
Anaheim is 7-5-2 at the Honda Center this season.
What’s Next?
The Ducks will host the rival LA Kings on Monday night at Honda Center.
Become A DucksNPucks Patron!
If you enjoy DucksNPucks, then consider supporting us at www.patreon.com/DucksNPucks.
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!
November 30th, 2019