Ducks Rally Past Sharks In Overtime

Photo: ESPN

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks hosted the San Jose Sharks for the final game before the NHL All-Star break. John Gibson was in net against Kaapo Kahkonen.

Recap

The Ducks appeared to score in the opening minute of the game, but the goal was waived off. Kahkonen stopped an initial shot and then Jakob Silfverberg pushed the puck into the net. The officials ruled the goalie was pushed into the net after having made the original save, so no goal was awarded.

The Ducks did strike first officially just about two minutes into this contest. Silfverberg threw a puck towards the net and Mason McTavish tried to score. The puck came out in front of the net and Isac Lundestrom picked it up and scored.

Brett Leason was called for tripping about three minutes later and Anthony Duclair scored with the man advantage to tie the game up at one. The Ducks had two power plays late in the period, but couldn’t score. The game remained tied at one after the first period.

There wasn’t much action in the second period as both teams combined for just 14 shots on goal. The Sharks did eventually score with about two minutes to go in the middle frame. Marc-Edouard Vlasic scored on a point shot that looked harmless, but it gave San Jose a 2-1 lead after two periods.

In the third period, the Ducks had a power play early on, but couldn’t convert. The Sharks had a power play with about seven minutes to go, but did not cash in. With about five minutes to go the Ducks had one more opportunity with the man advantage, but also couldn’t score.

In the final minutes, the Ducks pulled Gibson and Troy Terry would score the tying goal with one minute to go. A point shot came in from Cam Fowler and Leo Carlsson got to the puck. He found Terry at the side of the net and he slammed home the puck. Overtime would be needed to determine a winner.

In the extra session, each team had a few opportunities to score. Eventually, it would be Frank Vatrano who would score to give the Ducks an overtime win. Terry would come down the right side of the net and then find Vatrano in the slot, who beat Kahkonen stick side for the win.

Analysis:

The Ducks dominated the puck possession in this contest posting a 65.38 CF% and 60.87 FF% at even strength. Anaheim put up 83 shot attempts, but the Sharks also blocked 27 of them. In the first two periods, the Ducks were able to create plenty of chances, but they were either blocked or of the lower quality variety. In the third period, the Ducks went all out with 39 shot attempts and 15 shots on net.

Special teams play hurt the Ducks once again. The Sharks had three power plays and scored on one. The Ducks had four chances with the man advantage and weren’t able to convert. Anaheim was able to overcome their special teams play and still won.

The overtime was evenly matched and it looked like a shootout might be how this one would end. However, Vatrano had other plans as he scored with just 53 seconds left in the bonus session to give the Ducks the win. After he scored he flipped his stick into the crowd in a display of joy. What a way for the him to finish the game just before he heads off to All-Star weekend.

Notes/Stats:

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

What’s Next?

The Ducks will host the Edmonton Oilers on Feb 9th.

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February 2nd, 2023