Ducks Lose 4-3 In OT

Photo: The Canadian Press

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks traveled to Dallas to take on the Stars. John Gibson started in net against Jake Oettinger.

Recap

The Stars opened the scoring just over two minutes into this contest. Matt Duchene got the puck in the slot and beat Gibson with a wrist shot.

The Ducks answered back later in the period, when Urho Vaakanainen scored from a severe angle. He had the puck in the corner of the Dallas zone and shot the puck along the goal line at the net. The puck hit Oettinger’s left skate and deflected in the net. The Stars nearly scored on the previous sequence, but the replay showed the puck hit the post and stayed out. The teams were tied at one after the first period.

Anaheim took the lead early in the second period on a goal by Troy Terry. Adam Henrique got to the puck along the boards and found Terry in front for the score. Terry got the puck and beat Oettinger glove side.

Dallas then tied up the game about five minutes later on a controversial goal. After an initial stop, Craig Smith got to a rebound and shot the puck at the net. Gibson made the save with his glove, but the play was reviewed. After several minutes, it was determined the puck was over the line despite being in his glove. The teams were tied at two after two periods

The Ducks took the lead early in the third period. Jakob Silfverberg scored just 12 seconds into the final frame. On the opening rush, Isac Lundestrom got to the puck behind the Dallas net and found Silfverberg in the slot for the score.

The Stars answered about halfway through the period. Miro Heiskanen scored to tie the game up at three apiece. Overtime would be needed to decide this one.

The Ducks made an initial rush in overtime and Troy Terry‘s shot was stopped. The Stars countered with their own rush and Thomas Harley scored to give Dallas a 4-3 win.

Analysis:

The Ducks earned a point in this contest, but they could have had a chance to win the game late in regulation. Leo Carlsson was wiped out behind the Dallas net in the final minutes of the third period on a textbook interference play which wasn’t called. The Ducks would have finished regulation with the man advantage. Anaheim didn’t have one power play in this game.

Earlier in the game Dallas was awarded a goal after a lengthly review. It appeared Gibson made the stop, but the review showed the puck in the netting of his glove, which appeared to be over the goal line. The officials felt they had a definitive view of the puck being completely in the net, but some would disagree.

Overall, the Stars controlled the play for a majority of the game posting a 63.5 CF% and 59.76 FF%. Dallas had a total of 44 shots on goal in 65 attempts to just 21 in 39 attempts for Anaheim. Despite the disparity in shots and possession, the Ducks got timely goals to start the second and third periods which nearly helped them pull off a win.

Team Notes/Stats:

Vaakanainen scored his first NHL goal finally. There were three previous instances where it appeared he had scored, but the goals were credited to other players or disallowed.

Silfverberg has scored three goals in his last two games and has four in his last six games.

Ilya Lyubushkin is not on the trip with the team. He is dealing with an upper body injury.

What’s Next?

The Ducks face the Minnesota Wild on Saturday at 6 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!

January 26th, 2023