Ducks Edge Wild 3-2

Photo: USA Today

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks finished up their brief two game road trip in Minnesota against the Wild. Lukas Dostal was in net against Filip Gustavsson.

Recap

The Wild got on the board first just over six minutes into this one. Kirill Kaprizov scored one-timing a pass from Mats Zuccarello past Dostal.

The Ducks answered just over a minute later with a goal by Troy Terry. Frank Vatrano created a turnover and then found Terry in the slot, who beat Gustafson short side.

The Wild reclaimed the lead in the final minutes of the first period on a goal by Jon Merrill. Zuccarello took a point shot and Merrill tipped the puck, which also went off Radko Gudas‘ stick.

Minnesota appeared to make it a 3-1 game early in the second period with a goal by Marcus Johansson. Anaheim challenged the play for being offside, which the review confirmed wiping the goal off the board. Matt Boldy entered the zone just before the puck crossed the blue line.

The Wild had two power plays in the middle frame, but did not convert. The Ducks were awarded a power play in the final seconds and carried it over to the third period trailing 2-1.

The Ducks didn’t convert with the man advantage, but Ryan Strome scored early in the third period to tie the game at two. Gudas took a point shot and Strome deflected into the net.

Just over halfway through the period, Terry would score again to make it 3-2. He brought the puck into the slot and his initial shot was stopped. He then got to the puck and beat Gustavsson glove side.

The Wild pulled their goalie in the final minutes, but weren’t able to tie the game. The Ducks went on to win 3-2.

Analysis:

The Ducks played a solid road game and were able to rally to win despite being down at the start of the third period. Anaheim was outshot 37 to 25, but they scored when they had their chances, especially Terry. Anaheim wasn’t able to convert on their two power play chances, but they kept Minnesota off the board with their four power plays. The Ducks also had 18 blocked shots.

Head Coach Greg Cronin changed up the forward lines and it appeared to work in this contest. Leo Carlsson, Troy Terry, and Mason McTavish all played on separate lines. The top six forwards generated all three goals. McTavish has been with Jakob Silfverberg and Isac Lundestrom lately, maybe to try to balance his offensive mind set with defensive play.

Team Notes/Stats:

Anaheim now has eight third period comebacks this season, which is tied for the most in the league.

Henrique has eight points(four goals, four assists) during a five-game point streak.

Terry has eight points(three goals, five assists) during a five-game point streak. Terry has 22 points in his last 22 games.

What’s Next?

The Ducks host the Sharks Wednesday night at 7 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 28th, 2023