Ducks Earn A Point In Pittsburgh

Photo: NHL

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks concluded their road trip in Pittsburgh against the Penguins. Brett Leason drew in the lineup for Ross Johnston. Lukas Dostal was in net against Alex Nedeljkovic.

Recap

The Ducks grabbed the opening goal and lead late in the first period. Trevor Zegras was behind the net and found Alex Killorn in the slot, who scored a quick wrist shot. Anaheim got a late power play at the end of the opening period. Despite being out 18 to 7, they held a 1-0 lead.

Anaheim did not convert on the remaining power play time from the first period. Pittsburgh then had two power play chances in the middle frame, but also did not cash in. The Ducks ended the scoreless second period on the power play.

Pittsburgh killed the penalty to start the third period and then Sidney Crosby scored to tie the game in the opening minutes. The Ducks had several chances in the final minutes of the period to win the game, but they couldn’t get one past Nedeljkovic.

In overtime, the Ducks turned over the puck along the boards in their own zone. Crosby ended up alone in the slot and a high shot beat Dostal to give the Penguins a 2-1 win.

Analysis:

Anaheim scored first and was able to maintain a one goal lead through two periods of play. Pittsburgh, on the back of Crosby, was able to tie the game in the third period and then win in overtime.

The Ducks once again had to lean heavily on Dostal to stay in this contest as he made 44 saves. The Pens had a 98 to 51 shot attempt advantage and a 23 to 9 dangerous scoring chances advantage. During even strength the Ducks posted just a 34.85 CF% and a 35.85 FF%. Special teams weren’t a factor in this one as neither team scored with the man advantage.

Cutter Gauthier did look better in this contest. He picked up an assist on the Ducks lone goal. He had five shots on goal, which led the team and nearly put the Ducks ahead twice late in the game. He had a breakaway chance that was denied by Nedeljkovic. Anaheim went 1-2-1 on the road trip.

What’s Next?

The Ducks host the Chicago Blackhawks Sunday at 5 PM.

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October 31st, 2024