Ducks Earn A Point In Minnesota

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks traveled to Minnesota to take on the Wild. Lukas Dostal was in net against Filip Gustavsson. Tim Washe made his NHL debut.

Recap

Marcus Johansson scored just before the halfway point of the first period. He snuck in behind the Ducks defense for a breakaway and shot the puck low beating Dostal.

Alex Killorn then tied up the game a few minutes later. He knocked the puck away from Jacob Middleton in the slot and ended up sending it low past Gustavsson. The teams were tied 1-1 after the first period.

There was no scoring in the second period.

Sam Colangelo scored just before the halfway point of the third period to make it a 2-1 lead for Anaheim. Mason McTavish found Colangelo in the slot and he backhanded a shot past Gustavsson for the score.

In the final minutes of the third period, the Wild pulled their goalie for the extra attacker. Joel Eriksson Ek scored in a scramble in front of the net to tie the game with about 18 seconds to go. The game would need bonus hockey to determine a winner.

Marc-Andre Fleury started the overtime in net. This would be his final career regular season game as he announced he was retiring earlier in the year.

The Ducks created many scoring chances and nearly won the game, but Fleury stopped all five shots he faced. Matt Boldy would score on a rush for the Wild and they won 3-2.

After the game the Ducks players lined up to congratulate Fleury on his career.

Analysis:

This was a difficult loss for Anaheim as they were so close to winning this game in regulation. The Ducks nearly scored in the empty net, but Frank Vatrano was tripped up and on the next rush the Wild scored in the dying seconds of the game to tie it up. Despite giving up the late tying goal the Ducks threw just about everything they had at Fleury in overtime, but couldn’t get one past him.

Tim Washe made his debut and nearly scored in the beginning of the third period on a nice redirect from the slot. He didn’t see much ice time, however, only playing for just over six minutes on the fourth line. What was also puzzling on the blue line was Ian Moore played just over 11 minutes. Drew Helleson and Olen Zellweger were both out there for around 17 minutes. These young players should be getting as much ice time as possible especially in these games that don’t affect the Ducks final standings.

Dostal did what he could as he has all season long by stopping 37 shots on net. The goalie position has been the one constant that has helped the Ducks win games that they shouldn’t have and ultimately resulted in a better overall record this season.

Team Notes/Stats:

John Gibson is not on the trip. He sustained a lower-body injury at the end of the second period against Calgary back on April 3rd when Pospisil collided with him. Ville Husso should get the start against Winnipeg.

What’s Next?

The Ducks play Winnipeg tomorrow at 4 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!

April 15th, 2025