Anaheim Gets Burned By Calgary

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks continued their home stand against the Calgary Flames. John Gibson got the start in net against against Daniel Vladar. Nikita Nesterenko made his NHL debut.

Recap

The Flames got on the board on the opening shift. Noah Hanifan took a point shot that was blocked and Nick Ritchie was in front to send the rebound home. Calgary was up 1-0 just 37 seconds into the game.

Calgary added to their lead late in the opening period. Troy Stecher brought the puck down toward the left side of the net and beat Gibson, who was screened on the play.

The Ducks went on the power play at the end of the period and it carried over to the beginning of the second period. Anaheim wasn’t able to convert with the man advantage.

The Flames extended their lead early in the middle frame. Rasmus Andersson took a slap shot just inside the blue line and the puck beat Gibson, who was screened.

Anaheim finally got on the board while on the power play just before the halfway point of the period. Frank Vatrano beat Vladar from the left face-off circle with a laser that went over his shoulder. The Ducks were down 3-1 after two periods of play.

Elias Lindholm extended the Flames lead at the beginning of the 3rd period. He took a shot that beat Gibson stick side to make it a 4-1 game.

Calgary would add one more goal with just over four minutes to go in regulation. Andrew Mangiapane scored on a breakaway. The Flames would go on to win by a 5-1 final.

Recap

It was a rough night for the Ducks against the Flames. It took just 37 seconds for Calgary to get on the board. By the end of the first period, the Flames out shot the Ducks 17 to 7 and had a 2-0 lead. Anaheim played a better second period where the shots were almost even and they got on the board. Calgary then scored early in the third to put the game out of reach making it 4-1.

The Ducks were able to score on the power play in three attempts. The Flames, however, also scored twice with the man advantage. During even strength play the Ducks had a difficult time carrying the puck through the neutral zone, especially in the first and third periods. Anaheim was outscored three to nothing during 5-on-5 play.

Nesterenko looked solid in his debut. He had four shots on goal and nearly scored at the side of the net. He skated on a line with Isac Lundestrom and Jakob Silfverberg. He played just over 13 minutes of ice time.

Team News/Stats:

Troy Terry got checked simulataneaoulsy by Nick Ritchie and Nikita Zadorov in the third period. He left the game with 12 minutes to go and didn’t return. He appeared to by favoring the side of his body.

Jamie Drysdale skated at the morning practice. No word yet if he will make a game appear in the final weeks of the season.

What’s Next?

The Ducks host the Winnipeg Jets Thursday at 7 PM.

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March 22nd, 2023