Thank you, Miller.

By Richard Gonzalez

The Anaheim Ducks finished off their season series against the Los Angeles on Saturday night and were looking for their first win at Honda Center this season in front of fans.

The Ducks dropped Friday night’s game 2-1, after a dominant performance for most of the contest. In this one, the Ducks started off a little slow, but ultimately exploded with offense to beat the Kings 6-2.

Pre-Game:

The Ducks came into this game being down 4-3 in the season series against the Kings. Tonight, was fan appreciation night as it was the final home game of the season. Ryan Miller and Calvin Petersen would each get the starts for their respective teams.

Ryan Miller: This was Miller’s final home game prior to his retirement announcement following the end of the season. The former Hobey Baker winner, Vezina Trophy winner and 2010 Olympics MVP is the winningest US born goalie in NHL history. He has spent the last four seasons in Anaheim and per Eric Stephens is set to play his final game on the road possibly against the Minnesota Wild.

Visit for retirement announcement: Miller’s Time: Press Conference

The Game:

The start of the game was not too great for the Ducks as the Kings controlled most of the play. Then the Ducks got some life and energy when Trevor Zegras would net the first goal of the game and the second of his young NHL career. Each team would split power plays, but the score would remain 1-0 Ducks after one.

The Ducks would go on the penalty kill just 41 seconds into the second but were able to kill it off. The Ducks would get back-to-back goals from Danton Heinen and Nicolas Deslauriers to extend the Ducks lead 3-0. The Ducks dominated the second and outshot the Kings 12-4 in the second period.

Max Jones would continue the Ducks onslaught as he scored to extend the Ducks lead 4-0. The Kings would cut the lead to three, but Jacob Larsson’s first goal of the season would give the Ducks the four-goal lead once again.

Ducks leading goal scorer Max Comtois scores the “touchdown” sixth goal of the game. The Kings would score once more, but it would not help much as it was late in the third and they could not climb back from the hole they dug themselves. The Ducks would close out their final home game with a big win against their rivals.

Team Stats:

Miller was named the first, second, and third star of the game. He recorded 23 saves out of the 25 shots he faced.

Heinen recorded a goal and two assists.

Zegras recorded a goal and assist. This was Z’s second goal of the season.

Larsson scored his first goal of the season and added two more assists.

The Ducks scored 6 times, which tied their highest goal total for a game this season. They also scored 6 against LA on March 8th, 2021.

The Good, the Great and the Better:

Good: Ryan Miller

Great: Ryan Miller

Better: Ryan Miller

Analysis:

The Ducks started off bad. It seemed like it was going to be one of those games that we all have gotten used to this season. Z’s goal seemed to spark the Ducks and they rode that momentum scoring and tying their season high in goals with six.

This was an important win because they have been winless(0-4-0) this season in front of their fans at Honda Center, but more importantly for Miller. Zegras and Jamie Drysdale looked poised and fired up leading the way for the Ducks and it only fuels the excitement as they grow more into the players they are projected to become.

Next Game:

The Ducks will play back-to-back games against the St. Louis Blues starting on Monday May 3, 2021, at 5 PM (PST). The Blues lead the season series 4-2, with the Ducks winning the last game 3-2 in overtime.

 

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May 1st, 2021