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VIDEO: Ducks Fall To Canucks In OT

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks returned to action for the first time since December 17th. They battled the Arizona Coyotes on that date and lost 6-5 in a shootout.

With Max Comtois, Sam Steel, and Trevor Zegras all in the COVID protocol, the Ducks went with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen in this contest. Jacob Larsson filled in as the 7th d-man. John Gibson got the start in net against Thatcher Demko.

Recap

The teams felt each other out for most of the first half of the opening period. The Ducks got the first and second power plays of the game, but didn’t convert on either. Sam Carrick did get the Ducks on the board first as he broke in and beat Demko at close range.

Later on in the period, Cam Fowler fell awkwardly into the boards hitting his head, neck, and shoulder. He went to the locker room and didn’t return to the game.

Bo Horvat had a quality chance early in the second period, but Gibson stood tall in net making a pair of saves.

Ryan Getzlaf was called for a questionable trip, but Sam Carrick was able to draw a penalty to even things up. The Ducks then had an abbreviated power play and Sonny Milano nearly made it 2-0 as he hit the crossbar.

Conor Garland then had a breakaway for the Canucks and Gibson made a big save to keep it a 1-0 game. Gibson also had to make a save late on a 2-on-1 to Vancouver scoreless through two periods.

The Canucks tied the game early in the third period. Vancouver had a 2-on-1 and Tanner Pearson beat Gibson.

The Ducks couldn’t get much going to the first half of the third period. They were only able to manage two shots. Anaheim then got a power play, but couldn’t convert. There was no more scoring in the period and bonus hockey would be necessary.

In overtime, the Ducks had a 3-on-1 rush, but couldn’t’ score. Vancouver counted and Miller scored to win the game.

Analysis:

The teams came out rusty to start this game. After a few power play chances, the Ducks scored shortly after the second attempt. Sam Carrick broke in alone and made a nice move to give the Ducks 1-0 lead at the end of the first period.

Vancouver came out strong in the second period. The Ducks were on their heels for most of the period. Gibson had to make a few saves to keep the game a 1-0 lead for Anaheim. Eventually Vancouver tied the game up in the beginning of the third period. Gibson had to make several saves in the third period or else the Ducks would have lost in regulation.

The Ducks were off in this game putting up 46 shot attempts and only half of those were on target. Anaheim really had a tough stretch in the third period with just one shot on goal. Anaheim also had several power play opportunities, but couldn’t find the back of the net. Having nearly two weeks off and missing Trevor Zegras, Max Comtois, and Sam Steel definitely didn’t help in this contest.

The Ducks were able to ta least salvage a point despite being without Cam Fowler after the first period. He has an upper-body injury and will be reevaluated today.

What’s Next?

The Ducks travel to Las Vegas to play the Golden Knights on Friday at noon.

 

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December 29th, 2021

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