VIDEO: Ducks Can’t Dance With The Devils

Photo: AP

By Richard Gonzalez

The Anaheim Ducks were back at it again as they took on the New Jersey Devils. The Ducks were looking to bounce back from a 4-1 loss against the Philadelphia Flyers and the Devils were coming off a 2-1 win against the Arizona Coyotes. Ryan Miller and Mackenzie Blackwood would each get the starts for their respective teams.

Just prior to the game, the Anaheim Ducks made several injury announcements and some roster moves.

Troy Terry will be out for ten weeks with a broken bone below his kneecap after a hit he sustained from Philly’s Nicolas Aube-Kubel. He was placed on the injured reserve list. Derek Grant will be out four-six weeks with a sprained AC joint. He sprained his shoulder in a collision with the Flyers’ Ivan Provorov.  Jacob Larsson is also out (day-to-day) with a lower-body injury.

Max Jones and Isac Lundestrom would be recalled and would play in the game due to injuries.

Game Summary:

The Devils tested Ryan Miller in the early minutes of the game but it would be the Ducks who would get the game’s first goal. Ondrej Kase and Adam Henrique capitalized on a turn over that sent them on a two on none towards Blackwood. Henrique would get the goal with the assists going to Kase and Cam Fowler. No penalties were assessed during the period the Ducks would take the 1-0 after the end of the first.

Podcast: Power Play Goals !?!?

The second period did not start off so well for the Ducks as former first overall pick, Nico Hischier scored just 1:28 into the period. The Ducks got two consecutive interference penalties (Hampus Lindholm and Michael Del Zotto), which resulted in a power play goal by Kyle Palmieri to give the Devils the 2-1 lead. Each team would spilt minor penalties but nothing would come from them. And the Devils would hold on to their lead after the second period.

The Ducks had some time on the power play to start the third period but did not score. Sami Vatanen would score seconds after the penalty expired to give the Devils a 3-1 lead. Max Comtois and Damon Severson would each get a five minute major for fighting, in which the Devils won in that department too. The Devils would take another penalty as the Ducks had Miller pulled. The Ducks would make a decent push to get a goal but could not get one past Blackwood. The Ducks outshot the Devils 11-4 in the third but ultimately dropped the game 3-1.

Analysis:

The Devils only had one win in their last eight games, were playing without their best player (Hall) and an inexperienced goalie in net but still could not get a win. Comtois did try to spark the Ducks with his fight but they did not have enough step in their game for a comeback. The Ducks made a bad team look really good and saw some digression on their power play. The Ducks did not convert on their two chances and played too conservatively when trying to get back into this game. Hopefully, the Ducks can redeem themselves come March when they host the Devils.

What’s Next?

The Ducks will have another set of back-to-back games this weekend when they play the New York Islanders (12/21) and the New York Rangers (12/22).

Become A DucksNPucks Patron!

If you enjoy our show, 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!

December 18th, 2019