Ducks Edge Devils 3-2

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks closed out their home stand and the 2024 year with a game against the New Jersey Devils. Lukáš Dostál was in net against Jacob Markström. John Gibson did return, but in a back up role for this contest.

Recap

Troy Terry scored at just about the halfway point of the first period to give Anaheim the early 1-0 lead. Ryan Strome got to a loose puck behind the net and found Terry in the slot, who beat Markstrom glove side for the goal.

The Devils had a couple of power plays in the second half of the opening period, but did not convert. Anaheim held a 1-0 lead going into the second period.

The Ducks had back-to-back power play chances just over eight minutes into the middle frame. Anaheim could not cash in on either man advantage. The Ducks also finished the period on a power play, but did not score. Anaheim still held a 1-0 lead to start the third.

Robby Fabbri scored in the opening minutes of third period to make it a 2-0 lead for Anaheim. After getting a pass from Cutter Gauthier, he got Markstrom to go down early and he shot the puck high for the score.

The Devils did answer back less than two minutes later with a goal by Jonas Siegenthaler. He took a point shot that deflected and beat Dostal.

With just under several minutes to go, Isac Lundeström was high sticked while trying to score from the slot. There was no penalty called and the Devils then scored on the next rush up ice. Timo Meier scored and the teams got together in a scrum in front of the Anaheim net. Things were evened up afterward as Nico Hischier and Mason McTavish both sat in the penalty box for roughing.

Strome then put Anaheim up with less than four minutes to go. He blasted a shot from the right face-off circle beating Markstrom over the shoulder. The goalie was partially screened on the play.

The Devils pulled their goalie in the final minutes for the extra attacked, but the Ducks were able to hold on and win 3-2.

Analysis

The Ducks rang in the new year with a win over the New Jersey Devils. Anaheim had a 2-0 lead early in the third and looked like they were going to run away with this one. New Jersey did fight back scoring twice. The second goal was scored after a none call when Lundestrom was high sticked, which drew the ire of the crowd. The Ducks, however, did fight back and score to win despite giving up the two goal lead.

Anaheim did have a slow start to this one going without a shot on goal until Terry’s shot at the 10:05 mark of the first period. New Jersey outshot Anaheim 15 to 5 in the first period and hit the crossbar twice. The Ducks played better in the second period only giving up six shots on goal. Lundestrom and Fabbri both nearly scored in the middle frame to give the Ducks a bigger lead. The third period was evenly played on the scoreboard with both teams each scoring twice.

At even strength the Devils had 62 shot attempts to 37 for the Ducks. New Jersey posted a CF% of 62.63% and FF% of 60.27% at even strength. The Devils did own the first period, but the Ducks were able to play a closer game after the opening frame. The power play is still a concern of Anaheim as it went 0-for-3 in this contest. The penalty kill was able to keep the Devils off the board in their two power play chances.

Team Notes/Stats:

The Ducks are 14-0-1 when they score three or more goals this season.

The Ducks are 1-17-3 when they score two or less goals this season.

Strome has game winning goals in two consecutive games. He is the 14th NHL player to score a game-winning goal in the final five minutes of regulation in consecutive games.

What’s Next?

The Ducks travel to Winnipeg Thursday to face the Jets at 5 PM.

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January 1st, 2025