VIDEO: Ducks Edge Canes In OT

Photo: AP

By Richard Gonzalez

The Anaheim Ducks were back at it again with their second of back-to-backs as they took on the Carolina Hurricanes. The Ducks were coming off a fresh 4-2 win against the Nashville Predators and the Hurricanes were coming off a 3-2 loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Hurricanes biggest loss came in the form of an injury as their All-Star defenseman, Dougie Hamilton, is out long-term with a broken fibula. Ryan Miller and James Reimer each got the start for their respective teams.

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The Ducks showed some fatigue in the early minutes of the game but quickly got some more jump to their game. However, the Hurricanes would get the first goal when Sebastian Aho tipped in a shot past Miller. The Ducks would also get the game’s first penalty a few minutes later when Rickard Rakell was called for tripping. The Ducks would kill that penalty. Near the end of the period, Erik Gudbranson would activate from the point and score to tie the game up. Similar to Josh Manson’s goal in the Predators’ game. Both teams would be tied after one.

The second period was slow in the goal scorer department but some of the rough stuff started to show as both teams were on full battle mode. Jordan Stall (hi-sticking) and Ryan Getzlaf (slashing) would each get minor penalties but neither team would score. There was not an abundance of shots but the few the goalies saw where all quality ones. The biggest one was Daniel Sprong’s toe drag and shot. Joel Edmundson took a last-second penalty for holding and would give the Ducks some power-play time going into the third.

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The third period showed pure domination for the Ducks. They were all over the place not allowing the Hurricanes to get any momentum. There were no penalties or goals, but just pure back and forth hockey. Both goalies stood their ground and were sharp. The third period ended with the Ducks heavily outshooting the Hurricanes, 11-4. The overtime period came and the Hurricanes had a chance to win but Miller blocked a slap shot from Jaccob Slavin. A turn over by the Hurricanes lead to Sam Steel walking in alone and stealing the game with his wrist shot past Reimer.

Team News/Stats:

The Ducks won back-to-back games for the first time since November 1st.

Miller played in his 770th career game.

Analysis:

The Ducks came into this game with a different mentality. They were moving their feet and grinding it out in those dirty areas. They did not allow the Hurricanes to take advantage of the back-to-backs the Ducks played. When the Hurricanes increased the physicality, the Ducks would respond right back. During the PK the Ducks did not allow the Hurricanes to get into a rhythm. The Ducks seemed to have elevated their play in this game and were hungry for a win. This is probably one of my favorite games of the season from them. This marks the first time since November that the Ducks were able to get consecutive wins.

Mike Walters recently lost his Mother and her celebration of life is today. The first game back at Honda Center after his Mom passed, the Ducks beat the Nashville Predators 5-4 (S/O). The two games before her celebration of life, the Ducks earned two consecutive wins. This one was definitely for Mike and his family. Please keep Mike and his family in your prayers or best wishes. Rest In Peace, Linda.

What’s Next?

The Ducks do not play again until Jan., 27th, 2020. What a good way to start their break.

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January 17th, 2020