Anaheim’s Winning Streak Ends At Five Games

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks continued their homestand against the Colorado Avalanche. Lukas Dostal was in against Scott Wedgewood.

Cale Makar scored just halfway through the first period to give the Avs a 1-0 lead. He scored in close with a quick wrist shot from the hash marks.

Martin Necas made it 2-0 a few minutes later on the power play. He scored on a one-timer from the left circle. Colorado led by two after the first period.

Cutter Gauthier got the Ducks on the board in the opening minutes of the second period. He scored on a one-timer from the right circle.

Parker Kelly put the Avs back up by two. He scored from the left circle with a wrist shot. Colorado was up 3-1 after two periods.

Gabriel Landeskog scored early in the third period to make it a 4-1 contest. He scored on a one-timer from Nathan MacKinnon.

Kelly scored his second goal of the game halfway through the third period to push it to a four goal lead. The Ducks wouldn’t score again and lost by a 5-1 final

Analysis:

The Ducks got behind in the first period 2-0. Gauthier got Anaheim on the board early in the second period, but Colorado answered with another goal. The Avs added two more in third period to go on and win 5-1.

In looking at the analytical numbers the Ducks posted a CF% of 48.42% and FF% of 47.89% at even strength. Anaheim put up 46 shot attempts and Colorado had 49 at even strength. Overall, the Ducks ended up outshooting the Avs 28-26 in shots on goal.

Those numbers don’t look as terrible as the final score, but there were a few reasons why the Avs dominated on the score board. First, Dostal didn’t have one of his best outings. He let in a few goals that he would have liked to have back. Second, Colorado had 11 high danger chances and a majority of their shots came between the face-off circles and around the net. Third, about half of the Ducks shots came from the perimeter. Anaheim had a difficult time getting inside position on Colorado. Lastly, Anaheim turned over the puck 17 times.

Colorado also won the specials teams battle. The Avs scored once in their three power plays and the Ducks didn’t score in their three man advantages.

Makar and Parker were key players offensively for Colorado. Makar scored once and had two assists. Parker scored twice.

If this game was a measuring stick, then Colorado showed why they are a Cup Contender and Anaheim showed they still have some work to do to be a contender.

Team Notes/Stats:

Jackson LaCombe extended his point streak to six games.

Gauthier has six goals in his last six games.

What’s Next?

The Ducks host the New York Islanders tonight at 7 PM.

Support us by becoming a DucksNPucks patron! Members can win game tickets, Ducks gear, and more!

Want to start your sports media career? Then Join The Puck Network!

DucksNPucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team. What are you waiting for? Start your sports media career TODAY!

March 4th, 2026