Ducks Extend Winning Streak To Four Games

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks hosted the New York Rangers for their second and final meeting of the season. Lukas Dostal was in net against Spencer Martin. Chris Kreider returned to the lineup after missing the last two says due to feeling ill.

The Rangers got on the board first in the opening minutes of this contest. Matthew Robertson took a slap shot from the blue line and it went through Dostal’s pads for the score.

The Ducks responded scoring a goal with less than nine minutes to go in the period. Mason McTavish received a pass in the right circle and he scored with a one-timer. The teams were tied at one after one.

The Rangers scored on the power play early in the middle frame to take a 2-1 lead. Artemi Panarin scored in close from the right face-off circle.

About four minutes later the Ducks responded with Jeffrey Viel‘s first goal as a Duck. Ryan Poehling took a shot, which Martin made the save, but the rebound came to Viel at the side of the net for the tap in score.

Alex Killorn then scored on the power play with just under two minutes to go. Jacob Trouba took a shot from the right point and the puck squeezed through Martin’s pads. Killorn was there to swept the puck into the net. Anaheim led 3-2 after two periods.

Cutter Gauthier scored in the opening minute of the third to make it a 4-2 lead. He scored from the slot with a wrist shot.

Vladislav Gavrikov then scored with a one-timer from above the right circle while on a power play to pull New York back within one.

The Rangers pulled their goalie in the final minutes and Gauthier scored in the empty net to seal the deal. The Ducks won 5-3.

Analysis:

The Ducks didn’t get off to a good start in the opening 10 minutes of this contest. The Rangers grabbed the early 1-0 lead, but the Ducks were able to respond to tie things up before the first period was over. The Ducks got down again to start the second period, but then scored the next three goals and never looked back after that.

McTavish is starting to heat up as he scored in the last two games and now has three goals in his last five games.

Gauthier found the net twice, which was a good sight to see as he only had one goal in his last eight games. He has been dealing with the flu for the past week or so.

As a team the Ducks had the edge win even strength play. They had 48 shot attempts to 41 for New York. Anaheim posted a CF% of 53.93% and a FF% of 53.97% at even strength.

Special teams play favored the Rangers in this contest. New York twice in four power play attempts. Anaheim scored once in their three man advantages. The Ducks did come up with two big kills late in the third after being called for back-to-back penalties. The Rangers had a 5-on-3 power play for about 21 seconds.

It wasn’t the prettiest win for Anaheim, but they got the job done. They played undisciplined in the third period and nearly let the Rangers tie the game late. But the shorthanded Ducks continue to find ways to win and are now riding a four game win streak.

Team Notes/Stats:

Gauthier scored two goals on his 22nd birthday.

Head Coach Joel Quenneville told the media after the game Troy Terry is day-to-day and could return to the lineup on this upcoming road trip.

What’s Next?

Ducks visit Colorado on Wednesday for a 6 PM game.

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January 20th, 2026