Undefeated In Leo-cember

By Eddie Richard

Pre-game:

The Anaheim Ducks (9-14-0) are attempting to climb out of a six-game losing streak against the Colorado Avalanche (15-6-1). The Avalanche dropped their last game 4-3 against the Arizona Coyotes. John Gibson set a franchise record for the most games played by a goaltender in franchise history. The Avalanche elected to go with backup goalie, Ivan Prosvetov, to face the Ducks.

Game Summary:

The Ducks went down 2-0 quick in the first as the Avs started off with complete fire. The Ducks defensive breakdowns allowed Avs’ Bowen Byram two similar goals. On the Avs second goal gave former Duck Josh Manson his first career point against his former team. Manson would help the Ducks get on the board as his hooking penalty allowed the Ducks to get a power play goal from Adam Henrique. Devon Toews would extend the Avs’ lead with a last-minute goal to get his team back up by two by the end of the first period.

The Ducks would regain their comeback tendencies lead by Leo Carlsson when he got the Ducks within one to start the second. Midway through the second, the Ducks would strike again on the power play as Alex Killorn would get his second of the season. The third period was a straight goalie battle as they did not allow a goal and would result in overtime to get a winner.

The overtime was a little less exciting. The Avs were reluctant with the puck and seemed content to run the clock on the three-on-three overtime. Each team trading chances, but neither team would score. The shootout was once again all a goalie battle until Carlsson’s quick hands beat Prosvetov for the first and only goal in the shootout. Gibson would seal the deal with the final save to give the Ducks a 4-3 win in overtime.

The good, the bad and ugly:

The good: Carlsson looked great and lead the Ducks to a victory to snap their losing streak.

The bad: Mason McTavish got hurt and did not return to the game. His status is unknown.

The ugly: The beer prices at Honda Center slightly increased and dented my wallet.

Analysis:

The Ducks have played one of their best games of the season against a very elite Avs team. They did a great job at shutting down Nathan MacKinnon and not allowing him to dictate the game. The Ducks snapped Valeri Nichushkin nine game point streak and put a lot of pressure on former Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar. The Ducks came into this game with a different swag and mentality. They were not going to lose this game at all. On a personal note, The Ducks are 1-0-0 when I attend games so I might have to be at the games more often.

Team Notes/Stats:

The Ducks are undefeated in bonus hockey this season winning all four games(3 OT wins + 1 SO win).

Gibson played in his 448 game as an Anaheim Duck. He is now the team leader in games played by a goalie. J. S. Giguere was the previous leader with 447 games played.

Alex Killorn scored his 200th goal. He is only the second player selected in the third round or later in the 2007 NHL entry draft to record at least 200 goals. Jamie Benn was the first player to do it.

Next Game:

The Ducks will start a mini two-day road trip and will take on the Colorado Avalanche in Denver, Co on Tuesday November 5^th, 2023, @ 6:00PM PST.

Support us by becoming a DucksNPucks patron! Members can win game tickets, Ducks gear, and more!

Want to start your sports media career? Then Join The Puck Network!

DucksNPucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team. What are you waiting for? Start your sports media career TODAY!

December 2nd, 2023