VIDEO: Getzlaf Downs Preds In Shootout

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks played host to the Nashville Predators, who were coming off a 4-1 win against Los Angeles the night before. John Gibson was in net against Juuse Saros.

This game was an entertaining contest right from the opening faceoff. Immediately after the puck drop Nicolas Deslauriers and Austin Watson dropped the gloves.

The Ducks were energized throughout the first period firing 21 shots on net. Adam Henrique would open up the scoring. He took a backhand shot that went off of Saros’ helmet and landed in the slot. Henrique followed up with another backhand shot that beat Saros glove side. Despite a dominant period by Anaheim, Watson would score in the final minute to tie the game.

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To start the second period Craig Smith would score on the power play to give Nashville a 2-1 lead, but it was all Anaheim after that. Cam Fowler would beat Saros with a laser over his shoulder to tie the game. Daniel Sprong would then get to a rebound in front of the net on the power play to give Anaheim the lead. Henrique would then get his second of the game when a Sam Steel pass would hit his skate and redirect into the Nashville net. Ducks were up 4-2 at the end of two periods.

In the third period, the Predators would not go away. They got two goals by Craig Smith and Rocco Grimaldi to even the game at four goals apiece. It would take bonus hockey to settle this one.

Overtime and Shootout

In overtime Nashville nearly won the game, but Gibson made a huge stop against Grimaldi, who had a breakaway. Then Getzlaf also almost won the game with a great pass to Ondrej Kase, but Saros was in position for the save.

A shootout would be needed to determine a winner. In round one, Filip Forsberg and Kase would both score. There would be no more goals until the fifth round. Ryan Getzlaf would make a fake and then beat Saros for the win.

Analysis:

This game had just about everything a hockey fan could want. There was a fight to start the contest and then several goals scored in a back-and-forth battle. The Ducks could have scored at least once more in the second period during a 5-on-3 power play to possibly put the game out of reach in regulation. Instead, Nashville was able to battle back to force overtime. A big save by Gibson extended the game to a shootout and Getzlaf put the finishing touch to earn the victory.

Team News/Stats:

Deslauriers had his league-leading ninth fight in this contest.

The Ducks had 36 shots through the second period. That is the second-highest in franchise history. On October 13th, 2013 the team set the record with 45 shots through 40 minutes of play.

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January 6th, 2019