Ducks Earn Point Against The Sabres

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks returned home to host the Buffalo Sabres. John Gibson was in net against Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen. The Ducks went with the same lineup as they did on the road in the previous game against Chicago.

Recap

The Ducks got on the board early in this contest. Drew Helleson took a point shot just inside the blue line and Luukkonen, who was partially screened, was fooled on the play. He shifted to the right side of the crease trying to pick up the puck, but the shot came in on the left side and into the net. Both teams had power play chances in the opening period, but neither converted. Anaheim held a 1-0 advantage at the end of the period.

In the second period, the physical play picked up. Radko Gudas laid a big hit on Jason Zucker sending him flying down onto the ice by the boards. Connor Clifton took exception and he dropped the gloves withe Gudas.

Just over halfway through the period, Jansen Harkins sent Dylan Cozens into the boards with a big check. Zach Benson then went after Harkins, but the referees broke it up before an actual fight happened. The Ducks did get a power play when it was all said and done as Benson got an extra two minute minor.

Anaheim didn’t convert while on the power play, but they did score shortly afterward. Ross Johnston threw the puck on net into a crowd and Isac Lundestrum deflected the puck upward and it floated over Luukkonen and into the net.

Things were looking good with Anaheim up 2-0, but Buffalo would rally with two goals in the final two minutes of the period. Alex Tuch took a shot that Gibson stopped, but then the puck sat behind him in the crease. Peyton Krebs knocked the puck into the net before the puck could be covered. Jason Zucker then scored on a breakaway and the teams were tied at two after two.

In the third period there was no scoring and no penalties. Each team had chances to go ahead, but bonus hockey would be needed in this one. In the extra session, the Ducks would give up a 2-0 rush and the Sabres would score to win the game. Gibson blocked the initial shot by Owen Power, but Jiri Kulich got to the rebound to score the game winner.

Analysis:

The Ducks built a 2-0 lead with less than six minutes to go in the second period and could have run away with this game. Frank Vatrano nearly scored twice as he beat Lukkkonen high on a 2-on-1 rush, but sent the puck over the net. In the next sequence the puck came to him at the side of the net and he could have scored what would have been a slam dunk goal. Instead of taking a commanding 3-0 at the end of the period, Buffalo scored twice in less than a minute and the teams were tied at two.

Despite Buffalo getting back into the game at the end of the second, Anaheim pushed on in third period and had chances to take the lead, but just couldn’t get another goal. In overtime, they gave up a 2-0 rush and Buffalo scored to earn the win and second point.

The Sabres had a decent start to the game putting up 29 shot attempts to just 12 for the Ducks. Anaheim then out shot them 42 to 39 in the second and third periods. Overall, the Ducks played well, but the last two minutes of the second period cost them. The first goal Gibson will want back as he made the save, but just couldn’t locate the rebound in time to cover the puck. The game tying goal ended up being a breakaway, where Johnston was looking to fight instead of back checking. The Ducks played a very physical game, which was great to see except when it leads to quality scoring chances for the opponent.

Buffalo did dominate the overtime with 8 shot attempts to just 2 for Anaheim. Head Coach Greg Cronin deployed some questionable personnel in the extra session and it ended up not working out for the Ducks. This was an entertaining contest that unfortunately didn’t have a happy ending.

Team Notes/Stats:

Trevor Zegras earned an assist on Helleson’s goal, he now has four points in last four games.

Zellweger assisted on Lundestrom’s goal and he has five points (2 G + 3 A) in his last four games.

The Ducks did extend their point streak to four games.

Gibson still does not have a regulation loss(3-0-1).

What’s Next?

The Ducks host the Seattle Kraken Monday at 7 PM.

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November 23rd, 2024