VIDEO: Ducks Extend Winning Streak To 8; Win 1000th Game
By Michael Walters
The Anaheim Ducks hosted the Washington Capitals with a chance to earn their 1000th franchise win. Ryan Getzlaf was looking for career 1000th point. John Gibson got the start in net against Vitek Vanecek.
Prior to the game, David McNab was honored by the team for all his years of service with the organization and NHL. Teemu Selanne, Paul Kariya, and Steve Rucchin were on ice for the presentation with the owners Henry and Susan Samuelis.
Recap
The Ducks took an early lead on a goal by Cam Fowler a little more than three minutes into the game. Getzlaf earned an assist recording his 1000th point and Troy Terry also got an assist extending his point streak to 15 games.
The Capitals appeared to answer back right way with a goal by Nick Jensen, but the play was reviewed and determined to be offside. Ducks held a 1-0 advantage after 20 minutes of play.
There was no scoring in the second period, but Mason McTavish and Terry had a 2-on-0 late in the period. Vanecek came up big for Washington to keep it a one goal game heading into the third period.
Garrett Pilon got the Capitals officially on the board and the game was tied at one. The Ducks would answer as Sonny Milano would find Trevor Zegras in stride, who beat Vanecek 5-hole.
Anaheim looked they might win 2-1, but then Tom Wilson scored in the final minutes to make it a tie game again. This goal was reviewed and it appeared Wilson might have deflected the puck with a high stick, but the goal stood upon the review.
It would take overtime to decide a winner. Both teams had a few chances, but it be Zegras would won win it. He entered the Washington zone, cut across the ice and took a shot roofing it over Vancek for the win.
Analysis:
You couldn’t have wrote a better script for this game. The Ducks honored McNab prior to the game with some fan favorites Selanne, Kariya, and Rucchin, who were Anaheim’s top line back in the Mighty Duck days.
The anticipation of Getzlaf getting his 1000th point was achieved early with Terry extending his point streak on the same goal. It was only fitting Getzlaf’s 1000th point was an assist. And Terry’s streak was extended to 15 games, also Getzlaf’s number.
The Ducks just needed to win to keep the winning streak alive and get the 1000th win. It looked like the stars would align in the final minutes, but of course Washington would score sending the game to overtime, which set the stage for a dramatic finish.
Zegras would put an exclamation point on the game, as he blast a shot over Vanecek’s shoulder for the win. Unbelievable night all the way around for Anaheim. Again, you couldn’t have wrote a better script for this game.
Team Stats/News:
Anaheim earned their 1000 win.
Getzlaf recorded his 1000 career point.
Terry extended his point streak to 15 games.
The Ducks now have an 8 game winning streak.
Anaheim is first place in the Pacific Division and Western Conference.
What’s Next?
The Ducks host the Hurricanes on Thursday at 7 PM PT.
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November 17th, 2021