VIDEO: Ducks Come Up Short In Overtime

Photo: USA Today

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks squared off against the Philadelphia Flyers. It was the last home game for the calendar year of 2019. John Gibson was in net against Brian Elliott.

The Ducks started the scoring just 35 seconds into the contest. Erik Gudbranson would take a point shot that would appear to fool Elliott, giving Anaheim the early 1-0 lead. Halfway through the period, Sean Couturier would tie up the game. The period would end with the teams tied at one.

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The Flyers took the play to the Ducks in the second period. They outshot Anaheim 14 to 5 and had a few chances to take the lead, but Gibson stood tall in the period. At one point it appeared the Flyers would score, but Korbinian Holzer was in the crease behind Gibson to prevent a goal. The Flyers did have one power play, but they didn’t convert.

In the final frame, the Ducks responded and created some opportunities to take the lead. At one point the Ducks had a 5-on-3 power play for 1:11, but they couldn’t get one past Elliott. The Ducks outshot the Flyers 13 to 8 in the third. Overtime was needed to decide this one.

Overtime

The teams exchanged chances and eventually, Kevin Hayes would beat Gibson to earn the victory.

Analysis

The Ducks had a good start and finish to this contest. The middle of this game was dominated by the Flyers. Philadelphia was outshooting Anaheim by a 2-to-1 margin in the second period. They also won 61% of the faceoffs in this contest. Both teams had chances to pull ahead in this contest, but Gibson and Elliott both brought their A-game in this contest.

The Ducks did have a great chance to get the go-ahead goal in the third period with the two-man advantage but missed out. The dreaded drop pass by Ryan Getzlaf reared its ugly head in this game. Getzlaf made a great move in overtime and had a chance to win the game at close range, but choose to pass the puck instead. Shortly after that, the Flyers would score to win the game in overtime.

What’s Up Next?

The Ducks take on the Golden Knights in Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve at high noon.

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December 30th, 2019