VIDEO: Shorthanded Ducks Get Rolled By Blackhawks

Photo: USA Today

By Michael Walters

Chicago, IL – The Anaheim Ducks started a short two-game road trip against the Chicago Blackhawks. John Gibson was in net against Corey Crawford.

In the opening minutes of the game, Drake Caggiula would score for Chicago. He snuck in behind the Anaheim defense for an early tap in goal. The Ducks were down 1-0 after the opening period, but they outshot the Blackhawks 16 to 6.

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To start the second period, Josh Manson was absent from the Ducks bench and it was later announced he would not return. The Ducks traded goals to start the middle frame. Dylan Strome would get to a rebound and make it 2-0 Chicago. Anaheim would then answer as the trade deadline trio of Christian Djoos, Danton Heinen, and Sonny Milano would put together a solid play resulting in a wide-open net for Heinen.

The Ducks were only down by one score, but then everything unraveled in the span of about three minutes. Strome scored his second of the game to make it 3-1 Chicago. Then Alexander Nylander and Patrick Kane scored goals about a minute apart to make it 5-1 at the end of the second period.

Ryan Miller started the third period for Anaheim. Carter Rowney would make it a 5-2 contest after redirecting a shot by Jacob Larsson. Chicago would add one late goal in the final minutes of the game. The Ducks would lose this one 6-2.

Analysis:

The Ducks had a good opening period even though they were down by a goal. Anaheim couldn’t hang once Manson was out of the game which forced Head Coach Dallas Eakins to adjust the defensive pairings. Jacob Larsson and Matt Irwin were put together and they got burned several times in this game resulting in many of the Chicago goals. The Ducks ended up getting blown out, but when any team is missing their top four defensemen it’s going to be difficult to win against any opponent.

Teams Stats/News:

Manson played in the first period but was out for the rest of the game. According to the Ducks, he had an upper-body injury and is listed as day-to-day. Brian Hayward did note during the broadcast that Manson has been dealing with the flu.

Anthony Stolarz was reassigned to San Diego.

What’s Next?

The Ducks take on the Colorado Avalanche today at 6 PM.

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March 3rd, 2020