Ducks Beat Hurricanes In OT

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks continued their road trip against the Carolina Hurricanes. Lukáš Dostál was in net against Pyotr Kochetkov.

Recap:

Anaheim got on the board first just under 10 minutes into this contest. Nikita Nesterenko found Jansen Harkins in the slot and he beat Kochetkov high for the score. Ducks held a 1-0 after the first period.

Both teams had power play chances in the middle frame, but neither team converted. Anaheim was still up 1-0 after two periods.

The Ducks took a 2-0 lead early in the third period. Cutter Gauthier took an outlet pass and beat Kochetkov from a severe angle in the left face-off circle. Gauthier was able to take a quick wrist shot that beat Kochetkov over the shoulder and bar down.

The Canes appeared to score on the power play to pull within one with 12:35 left in the third period. The Ducks challenged the play of goalie interference, which was reviewed and the goal was taken off the board as a result. Andrei Svechnikov then scored right before the power play expired.

The Ducks held onto a 2-1 lead late in the game and the Canes pulled their goalie. Carolina tied the game with 55 seconds left when Seth Jarvis got the puck in front and beat Dostal low to tie the game. Bonus hockey would be needed to determine a winner.

In overtime, Gauthier scored his second of the contest and the game winner. He brought the puck down to the left face-off circle and beat Kochetkov low between the pads for the game winning goal.

Analysis:

The Ducks were outshot in every period in this game, but were able to build a 2-0 lead early in the third period. Despite being out shot 37 to 20, Dostal made 35 saves and Gauthier came through with two goals to help the Ducks to victory.

In terms of even strength play the Ducks only posted a CF% of 29.63% an a FF% of 32.89%. Carolina had 76 shot attempts to just 32 for Anaheim. The Canes also had the edge in high dangerous chances with 11 to 6 for the Ducks.

This was a nice rebound game for the Ducks who got smoked 6-2 by St. Louis and blanked 6-0 to Philly. Dostal responded well after the tough outing against the Blues. Head Coach Greg Cronin mixed up the lines with Troy Terry again being out. Sam Colangelo worked will with Ryan Strome and Frank Vatrano. The line of Gauthier, Mason McTavish and Brett Leason proved to be the difference in this one offensively.

Team Notes/Stats:

Harkins scored his first goal as an Anaheim Duck.

Gauthier became the first Ducks rookie to score in OT since Trevor Zegras on November 16th, 2021.

Anaheim is 1-2-1 without Terry in these last four games.

What’s Next?

The Ducks head to Washington DC to play the Capitals on Tuesday at 4 PM.

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January 12th, 2025