Ducks Edge The Stars 2-1

Photo: NHL

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks hosted the Dallas Stars for their final home game before the 4 Nations break. John Gibson was in net against Jake Oettinger.

Recap:

The Ducks took an early 1-0 lead late in the first period. After a turnover, Robby Fabbri had the puck in the slot and he attempted to make a pass, but it was blocked and sat on the ice. Cutter Gauthier picked up the loose puck and fired a wrist shot for the opening score. Ducks led 1-0 after the first period.

The teams exchanged power plays in the first half of the second period and neither team could convert. Dallas was called one penalty with 2:16 left and then another with 41 seconds left in the period. The Stars killed off the first penalty and there was still a minute and 19 seconds left on the second penalty to start the third period.

Anaheim couldn’t score with the remaining time of the power play to start the third period. Jamie Benn got out of the penalty box and passed the puck to Sam Steel. He then found Colin Blackwell in the slot for the score in close.

The Ducks answered back less than three minutes later. Alex Killorn threw a puck towards the net and Trevor Zegras redirected the pass upward and over Oettinger to give Anaheim the 2-1 lead.

The Stars pulled their goalie in the final minutes of the game, but couldn’t get the tying goal. Anaheim held on for a 2-1 win.

Analysis:

Anaheim had a decent start to this game and found themselves ahead 1-0 after the first period. The Ducks had a chance to extend the lead with a brief 5-on-3 power play at the end of the second period, but they couldn’t covert. The Stars were able to tie the game early in the third period, but Zegras answered back moments later. The Ducks were then able to hang on and win 2-1.

The Ducks put up a CF% of 50.49% and FF% of 53.33% at even strength. They held a slight edge in high danger chances with 12-10 and had more quality scoring opportunities as shown with a xGF% of 59.29%.

There wasn’t much special teams play as there were only four power play in this contest. The Ducks did go 0-for-3 with the man advantage, which continues to struggle. Stellar game for Gibson in his 500th career game. He stopped 25 of 26 shots on net and nearly earned a shutout. He made a few key saves late in the second and third periods to help the Ducks earn the win.

Team Notes/Stats:

Jacob Trouba played in his 800th NHL game.

John Gibson played in his franchise record leading 500th game as an Anaheim Duck goalie. His has 202 wins, which is only four behind Jean-Sebastien Giguere for the franchise lead.

Mason McTavish played in his 200th game as an Anaheim Duck.

Anaheim has four straight games at home.

The Ducks have only lost two games (5-2-0) since Zegras returned from injury.

The Ducks are 3-0-0 this season when Gauthier and Zegras score a goal.

Oettinger suffered his first defeat against Anaheim. He was previously 8-0-0 against the Ducks.

What’s Next?

The Ducks face the Kings in LA on Saturday at 7:30 PM.

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February 5th, 2025