Ducks Rally Late Past Jets

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks returned home to take on the Winnipeg Jets. Lukas Dostal was in net against Eric Comrie.

Recap

In the first period both teams had a power play chance, but couldn’t cash in. There was no scoring in the opening period. The Ducks outshot the Jets 12-4.

The Ducks would score the first goal just over four minutes in the second period. Radko Gudas took a slap shot from the blue line and Frank Vatrano was in front to redirect the shot into the net.

The Jets went on a power play halfway through the second period and scored. Gabriel Vilardi received a pass from Nikolaj Ehlers in front and he was able to push it past Dostal to tie the game.

The Ducks got a couple of power play chances in the middle frame, but couldn’t convert. The teams were tied up at one after 40 minutes of play.

The Jets took the lead early in the third period. Kyle Connor hit Mark Scheifele and he one timed the pass over the shoulder of Dostal for the goal.

Vatrano scored his second of the game with just under 5 minutes to go to tie the game up once again. He took a point shot that deflected through traffic and past Comrie.

Leo Carlsson was called for holding with just under four minutes to go, but the Ducks were able to kill off the penalty.

Troy Terry then gave the Ducks the lead with just 26 seconds left. Vatrano created a turnover near the Winnipeg net poking the puck away from Neal Pionk and it came to Terry in front of the net. He out waited Comrie, who went down to the ice, and then skated to the side and fired the puck past him. The Ducks ended up winning 3-2.

Analysis:

This was one of the best performances by the Ducks. They had one of their best opening periods of the season to a game. The Ducks has 12 shots on goal to just 4 for the Jets. Winnipeg did not have a shot on goal through the first 11 and half minutes of the game. Ducks had 10 scoring chances at even strength to 4 for the Jets. Halfway through the game Anaheim was outshooting Winnipeg 18 to 4 and held a 22 to 8 margin after two periods.

The Jets did play better in the third period and had a 2-1 lead with just about six minutes to go in regulation. But the line of Frank Vatrano – Ryan Strome – Troy Terry would come through in the end to pull out the win. Vatrano factored in all three tallies with two goals and an assist. Terry scored his ninth of the season with a nice move in front for the eventual game winner.

Anaheim was able to roll four lines being able to get through the neutral zone effectively and generate a consistent forecheck especially in the first two periods. In the opening period alone, they posted an amazing CF% of 78.13% and FF% of 80.95% at even strength. The Ducks had 62 shot attempts on the night to 41 for the Jets during even strength play. Anaheim had 12 high dangerous scoring chances to 6 for Winnipeg.

One area the Ducks could improve on in this contest was being more discipline. Ross Johnston took an unnecessary penalty in the middle of the second period, which led to the Jets first goal. It gave life to Winnipeg who was badly outplayed in the first 30 minutes of this contest. Carlsson was also called for penalty late in the third with the game tied. The good news is the penalty was solid overall and killed off three of the four power plays Winnipeg had.

Team News/Stats:

The Ducks have won two games in a row by coming from behind late in the third period.

John Ahlers said he spoke to Trevor Zegras on Wednesday, who said his knee feels good and thinks he could be back before the original 6 week recovery timeline.

What’s Next?

The Ducks the Colorado Avalanche on Friday at 7PM.

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December 19th, 2024