Ducks Short Circuit The Lightning

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks returned home to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning. John Gibson was in net against Jonas Johansson. Nikita Nesterenko drew in for Ross Johnston.

Recap:

The Ducks started the scoring just over five minutes into this contest. Troy Terry took a shot from the left face off circle that beat Johansson over the shoulder and bar down.

The teams each had a power play chance, but neither converted.

Frank Vatrano put the Ducks up 2-0 with about three minutes left in the period. Jacob Trouba took a wrist shot above the right face-off circle and Vatrano redirected the shot low for the goal.

In the second period Tampa Bay got on the board with a power play goal. Jake Guentzel scored to get the Lightning with one.

The Ducks regained a two goal lead with about four and half minutes to go in regulation. Alex Killorn found Jackson LaCombe for a one-timer and he beat Johansson low glove side for the score.

The Lightning pulled their goalie for the extra attacker and the Ducks scored again. Vatrano scored his second goal on the game in the empty net and the Ducks went on to win 4-1.

Analysis:

The Ducks came out flying and had a strong first period building a 2-0 lead. In the middle frame the Lighting fought back and pulled within one. Anaheim sat on the one goal lead for a good portion of the third period before scoring with just over 4 minutes to go. Tampa Bay pulled their goalie and Vatrano got his second goal to seal the victory.

This wasn’t the prettiest game for Anaheim. The Ducks out shot the Lightning 12 to 5 in the first period, but Tampa Bay outshot Anaheim 32 to 14 in the second and third periods combined. At even strength the Ducks only posted a CF% of 35.71% and a FF% of 37.78%. Grabbing two goals in the first period and a strong performance by Gibson was the difference in this contest.

Special teams continue to be an issue for Anaheim. The Ducks didn’t score on their only power play chance and have gone 4-for-46 in Trevor Zegras‘ absence dating back to December 4th. They gave up one goal in two power plays for Tampa Bay. Anaheim’s power play is 12.9% efficient, which is third worst in the league and the penalty kill is 76.2% efficient, which ranks 26th.

Team Notes/Stats:

The Ducks have won four of their last five games against top teams in the lead. They are 16-0-1 when scoring 3 or more goals.

It’s still early, but Anaheim is just six points out of the final wild card spot in the Western Conference.

Vatrano scored two goals and had an assist. He signed a 3-year extension before the game. Full Details: Vatrano Signs Contract Extension

Gibson won his 200th career game becoming just the second Anaheim goalie to do so. Jean-Sebastien Giguere was the first  to achieve the feat.

In World Juniors news, three Ducks prospects won medals today. Vojtech Port won a bronze medal when Team Czech beat Team Sweden 3-2. Austin Burnevik and Carey Terrance won gold when Team USA beat Team Finland 4-3 in overtime. Team USA is back-to-back World Junior Champions.

What’s Next?

The Ducks host the Calgary Flames Tuesday at 7 PM.

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!

January 5th, 2025