Ducks Get Edged By Jets

Photo: USA Today

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks continued their homestand against the Winnipeg Jets. Lukas Dostal was in net against Connor Hellebuyck. Troy Terry returned to action despite being knocked out of the Ducks last game against Calgary.

Recap

The Ducks opened the scoring with a goal by Cam Fowler just over eight minutes into the game. He got the puck just inside the blue line and took a snapshot through traffic. The puck deflected on the way to the net and found the back of the goal.

The Jets answered less than a minute after the Ducks goal. Dylan DeMelo took a shot that Dostal stopped at first, but the puck slid behind him in the crease. Mason Appleton got to the loose puck and tapped it in for an easy score. The teams were tied at one after the opening period.

Winnipeg extended their lead in the second period with just over six minutes to go. Pierre-Luc Dubois took a shot that Dostal stopped, but then the puck trickled towards the post and Kyle Connor tapped it in for the score. The play was very similar to the Jets first goal.

The Ducks got a power play in the final minute of the middle frame and it carried over to the third period. Anaheim wasn’t able to convert with the extra man ultimately.

Anaheim got another power play in the third period and they converted this time around. Frank Vatrano took a blast just inside the blue line and it beat Hellebuyck low.

Winnipeg answered a few minute later to retain the lead. Brenden Dillon passed the puck to Adam Lowry, who tipped the pass in front of the crease to make it a 3-2 game.

The Ducks pulled Dostal for the extra attacker in the final minutes of the game, but couldn’t get the tying score.

Analysis:

The Ducks got off to a good start with the opening goal, but then the Jets carried the play for the rest of the first period and into the second period as well. The Jets had 45 shot attempts in the first two periods to just 19 for the Ducks.

Despite the puck possession greatly favoring the Jets, Dostal kept the Ducks in the game. He could have actually possibly stole the game for Anaheim, but the first two goals he let it after initially stopping them. Both shots somehow found a way between his body and arm sliding behind him toward the crease. Each time the Jets got to the loose puck and tapped them in for a score.

Vatrano scored again for the second night in a row. He has three goals in his last six games and now has 18 on the season. He has a chance to become the third 20 goal scorer for the Ducks this season. He is fifth in overall points on the team with 36.

Team Stats/Notes:

Fowler registered his 43rd point of the a season, a new career high.

Jamie Drysdale won’t return to action this season Dallas Eakins announced prior to tonight’s game.

What’s Next?

The Ducks host the St. Louis Blues Saturday at 7:30 PM

Support us by becoming a DucksNPucks patron! Members can win game tickets, Ducks gear, and more!

Want to start your sports media career? Then Join The Puck Network!

DucksNPucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team. What are you waiting for? Start your sports media career TODAY!

March 23rd, 2023