Ducks Winning Streak Goes Up In Flames

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks finished up their quick two game road trip in Calgary against the Flames. John Gibson was in net against Dustin Wolf.

Recap:

The Ducks got a power play early in the first period, but did not convert.

The Flames got their own power play later in the period and it would be the Ducks who would score. Frank Vatrano got the puck on a rush and beat Wolf with a wrist shot over his shoulder. Anaheim lead 1-0 at the end of the first period.

Flames scored in the opening minute of the second period. Klapka skated around Brian Dumoulin and then beat Gibson with a backhand move.

Halfway through the middle frame, Jacob Trouba dumped Nazem Kadri behind the boards. Kadri took exception to the hit and charged Trouba dropping his gloves. The Ducks got a power play after everything was said and done, but couldn’t convert.

Flames scored late in the period off a turnover by Jacob Trouba. He tried to cleared the zone, but the puck got knocked down. Matthew Coronato took a shot that was deflected by Blake Coleman before hitting the back of the net. The goal was originally credited to Coronato.

The Ducks stayed within striking distance for most of the third period until an unfortunate play happened with about four minutes left. Calgary dumped in the puck behind the Anaheim net. Gibson thought icing was going to be called, but it wasn’t and he was forced to play the puck with Coleman barreling down on him. Gibson tried to clear puck, but Coleman deflected the clearing attempt and the puck went to Coronato, who was all alone in front for an easy score.

Anaheim then pulled the goalie with about three and a half minutes to go. Coronato would score into the empty net and Calgary went on to win 4-1.

Analysis:

The Ducks played a decent opening period on the road trip scoring first and holding a 1-0 lead. Things then started to fall apart in the second period. They gave up a goal in the opening minute and then another in the closing minute of the period. Anaheim found themselves down a goal to start the third. Calgary extended their lead to two goals when Gibson tried to clear the puck, but it deflected off Blake Coleman to Matthew Coronato, who had a wide open net. Two turnovers by Anaheim directly resulted in goals for Calgary.

The teams were close in terms of puck possession at even strength play, but Calgary cashed in by generating better chances. The Ducks posted a CF% of 51.69% and FF% of 46.75%. The difference was in the quality chances as the Flames had a xGF% of 60.03%. The Flames scored three even strength goals and the Ducks didn’t score once at even strength. The Ducks only had two high dangerous chances through 40 minutes of play. Anaheim’s best period was the final frame, but it was too little too late. Anaheim also went 0-for-4 on the power play, which continues to struggle.

One reason the Ducks winning streak came to a halt because they faced a quality goalie in Wolf. Anaheim faced weaker goalies in the previously three games. It’s probably time to break up the Troy Terry – Ryan Strome – Frank Vatrano line. This line isn’t producing like it had previously this season. Also Leo Carlsson only has one goal in his last 14 games. Lastly, Trevor Zegras should be moved back to center soon. A shake up of those two lines should be considered because Mason McTavish‘s line can’t be the only source of offense every night.

Team Notes/Stats:

Leo Carlsson played in his 100th career NHL game.

The Ducks got their first shorthanded goal of the season. Anaheim was the last team to score a shorthanded goal this season.

The goal by Vatrano was his 300th career NHL point.

What’s Next?

The Ducks are at home on Sunday against Montreal at 1 PM.

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January 31st, 2025