Zegras Lifts Ducks Past Coyotes In OT

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks returned home for one game just before the All-Star Break. John Gibson was in net against Connor Ingram. Kevin Shattenkirk was still out with a lower body injury. Nathan Beaulieu drew in for this contest.

Recap

The Ducks nearly had the first goal as everyone on the ice crashed the Arizona net just over halfway through the period. Connor Ingram somehow kept the puck out of the net. After the play was over, Nick Ritchie slapped Trevor Zegras in the head knocking his helmet off.

The Ducks were awarded a power play as Nick Ritchie was given two minutes for roughing. Anaheim didn’t convert with the extra man. Shortly after the power play was over, Ritchie would then score to give Arizona the early 1-0 lead.

Anaheim got another power play at the end of the first period, which carried over into the second. The Ducks weren’t able to cash in and still trailed by one.

Just over 12 minutes into the second period and Max Jones would tie up the game. The puck came to him on a deflected pass attempt by John Klingberg and Jones turned in one motion firing the puck over Ingram’s shoulder.

About a minute later and all hell broke loose. Adam Henrique high-sticked Barrett Hayton in the corner. Henrique lost his stick and then in frustration pushed Hayton while he was on the ice. Zegras gave him a little push at about the same time. Hayton wasn’t having any of it and went directly at Zegras. All ten players converged in the corner.

After things appeared to die down for a moment, Troy Stecher came over to Zegras and started talking to him. Zegras appeared to be annoyed(dropping the F-Bomb) in response to Stecher and then said something else to him which completely set him off. He tried to go after Zegras and had to be held back by the officials. After it was all said and done, Henrique, Zegras, and Hayton all got two minute penalties. Zegras got a 10 minute misconduct.

There was no more scoring in the second period and the teams remained tied at one to start the third period. The Ducks got into penalty trouble early on taking two penalties. Anaheim was able to kill off both penalties to keep the game tied. Arizona really put the pressure on in the third period outshooting Anaheim 16-6, but there was no scoring and overtime would be needed.

The extra session was intense with both teams almost nearly winning the game. Gibson made an unbelievable save on Jakob Chychrun, who had him down and beat, but Gibson was able to get his glove on the goal line to prevent the score. The Ducks then countered the other way and Klingberg found Zegras in the slot for the game winner.

Analysis

This game had an edge to it especially after Ritchie hit Zegras in the face in the opening period. The tempers really flared in the second period after Henrique high-sticked Hayton, especially Stecher, who instead of skating away when things died down decided to engage Zegras. Zegras got pushed around a few times in this contest, but in the end he had the last laugh scoring the game winner in overtime.

John Gibson put in a great performance. He got beat by Ritchie in the first period, but then he shut the door on Arizona the rest of the way. The Coyotes had four power play attempts, which they couldn’t do anything with. In overtime, Gibson stood on his head to keep the puck out of the net. He stopped 32 of the 33 shots on goal he faced.

It was a close game, but the Ducks turned in a solid performance. The team had 45 shots on goal in 59 attempts. Their puck possession numbers were great in the first two periods. The Coyotes controlled more of the play in the third period, but overall Anaheim had a 54.13 CF% and 51.59 FF% while at even strength. The Ducks shut down the Coyotes power play, but they didn’t score on their four chances either.

April 8th is next and final time these two teams will meet this season.

Game Stats/Notes:

The Ducks have won three straight for the first time this season.

Anaheim has points in the last six games against Arizona(4-0-2).

Zegras has 8 goals and 9 assists in his last 15 games.

Klingberg had two assists in this one. He has 6 points in his last 10 games.

What’s Next?

The Ducks travel to Dallas to face the Stars on Monday February 6th.

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January 29th, 2023