Ducks Sink Islanders 5-1

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks continued their homestand against the New York Islanders. Ville Husso was in net against David Rittich. Frank Vatrano returned to the lineup as he was activated off the IR. Mikael Granlund was placed on the IR in a corresponding move.

The Islanders struck first in the opening minutes of this contest. Anders Lee got to a rebound on the power play and put it past Husso for the 1-0 lead.

The Ducks then answered back with a power play of their own with about seven minutes to go in the period. Becket Sennecke took the puck behind the New York net and then found Cutter Gauthier at the left face-off circle for the one-timer.

Gauthier then scored again about three minutes later. Leo Carlsson would find Gauthier on a rush and he would beat Rittich glove side to make it a 2-1 Anaheim lead.

Sennecke would then give the Ducks a 3-1 lead with just over a minute left to go in the period. Ian Moore took a shot from the point and the rebound came to Sennecke at the side of the net for the easy tap in goal. The Ducks led by two goals at the end of the first period.

There was no scoring in the second period.

Ryan Poehling scored in the opening minutes. Ryan Strome got the puck behind the New York net and found Peohling in front for the score.

Patrick Roy pulled Rittch with over 8 minutes left to go in the third period. Frank Vatrano scored an empty net goal with just over four minutes to go.

Analysis:

The Ducks got down early yet again, but then they rattled off three goals in the first period to take a two goal lead after 20 minutes of play. Anaheim added a goal early in the third period and that put the game out of reach for the Islanders.

The Islanders did put up 43 shots on goal, but Husso was exceptional in net stopping all but one shot. He continues to be a reliable option for Anaheim with Petr Mrazek out for the rest of the season.

Gauthier was on fire early this game getting the first two Anaheim goals in about a span of three minutes. He has five goals in his last three games and nine goals in his last seven games. He hit the 30 goal mark for the first time in his career in just his second full season.

Sennecke continues to impress and doesn’t even look like a rookie the way he has been playing. He had a goal and assist tonight. He has 7 total points (2 G + 5 A) in his last four games and 13 total points (5 G + 8 A) in his last 10 games.

Team Note/Stats:

‘Gauthier scored his 30th and 31st goals of the season. He is the first player in Anaheim franchise history to score five goals in a row.

Sennecke scored his 20th goal of the season. Sennecke kissed the first rookie this season to reach the 50 point mark.

Anaheim is 19-0-0 this season when leading after two periods.

What’s Next?

Ducks host the Montreal Canadiens Friday at 6 PM.

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March 5th, 2026