Ducks Downed By Devils

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks hosted the New Jersey Devils to close out their 10 game homestand on Friday the 13th. John Gibson was in net against Vitek Vanecek.

Recap

The Devils scored first and often in the first period of this contest. Dougie Hamilton scored about eight minutes into this one. His initial shot was blocked, but he got his own rebound and scored to give New Jersey the early 1-0 lead.

A few minutes later Jesper Bratt scored five-hole to make it 2-0. The Devils were exiting their zone and Cam Fowler tried to stop a clearing attempt, but instead the puck got past him and found it’s way to Bratt.

The Ducks took a penalty towards the end of the period and Jack Hughes made them pay with a goal on the power play. He tried to make a pass in front of the Ducks net, but instead it deflected off an Anaheim player and into the net.

Anaheim found themselves down 3-0 after the opening period.

Sam Carrick and Brenden Smith dropped the gloves early in the second period.

Brett got his second goal of the game in the second period as he scored on a wraparound attempt beating Gibson to the far post.

The Ducks finally got on the board with a goal by Adam Henrique. Troy Terry had a chance it front which was blocked and then he through the puck back towards the net, which was deflected and ended up on Henrique’s stick. Vanecek was already down on the ice and Henrique shot it over him for the goal.

In the third period, Jesper Boqvist scored just over two minutes in to make it a 5-1 game.

Later in the period Trevor Zegras would score on the power play to make it a 5-2 contest. A point shot would hit Henrique’s skate and then bounced towards Zegras. He picked up the loose change and pick Vanecek stick side for the score.

The Devils would get one more goal rom Hughes to make it 6-2, which would eventually be the final score in this one.

Analysis

The first period has been rough for Anaheim in their last three games. They have been outscored nine to two in the opening 20 minutes in those contests. The Ducks were able to play better after the first period, but the hole was too big to climb out off.

The shot on goal after the first period were even at 27 apiece. The problems for Anaheim came in a few forms in this contest. The Ducks had four power play chances, but couldn’t convert except one time late in the game. Anaheim also made mistakes with the puck and coverages which the Devils took advantage of.

The Ducks will now hit the road for a six game trip. Things won’t start off easy as they have back-to-back games starting on Monday against Pittsburgh.

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January 14th, 2023