Ducks Dominant The Sharks

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks continued their homestand against the San Jose Sharks. Lukas Dostal was in net against Yaroslav Askarov. The Ducks went with a 11-7 lineup with Olen Zellweger being scratched and Frank Vatrano drawing back in the lineup.

Leo Carlsson got the Ducks on the board first in the opening minutes. He made a nice move around Ty Dellandrea and then backhanded the puck over the shoulder of Askarov for a 1-0 lead.

A few minutes later and John Carlson then scored to make it 2-0. He scored on a slap shot from the point. The Ducks held a two goal advantage after the first period.

The Ducks extended their lead with a goal by Alex Killorn in the second period. Beckett Sennecke led a 2-on-1 on rush and found Killorn at the side of the net for a tap in goal. The Ducks led 3-0 after two periods.

Carlson scored his second of the game halfway through the third period to make it a 4-0 game. He scored on a slap shot from the point while on the power play.

The Sharks got on the board with a goal by Shakir Mukhamadullin a few minutes later.

Carlson then scored again on the power play completing the hat trick. He scored on a one timer from the left face-off circle.

Frank Vatrano scored in close near the net in the final minutes and the Ducks went on to win 6-1.

Analysis:

Anaheim needed a win and they delivered with their best performance in recent weeks, maybe even of the season.

The Ducks came out with a purpose to start this game getting two goals early on. Anaheim also kept San Jose at bay, who only had five shots on goal in the first period. San Jose didn’t register a shot on goal until there was 6 minutes and 48 seconds left to go in the first period. The Ducks scored again in the second period and in the third period to make it 4-0. Anaheim never looked back after that and won 6-1.

From start to finish the Ducks played a complete game. They outshot the Sharks 30 to 19 and held them to just 9 shots on goal through two periods. Anaheim played discipline hockey not getting called for a single penalty.

The Ducks power play came to life with them converting on 2-of-3 man advantages. Carlson scored both power play goals and recorded a hat trick. He had his best game since becoming a member of the Ducks. Anaheim did a good job of getting players in front of the net to screen Askarov.

Anaheim was able to avenge the loss last week against San Jose when they gave up two goals late. The Ducks did a good job shutting down the entire Sharks offense. They kept Macklin Celebrini off the board completely after he had rallied the Sharks past the Ducks in their last meeting. With the loss the Sharks will likely not make the playoffs.

This is the type of game the Ducks badly needed to end the losing streak and get back on track. If the Kings lose in regulation on Saturday and the Ducks win in any fashion on Sunday, then the Ducks will clinch a playoff spot.

Team Notes/Stats:

Carlson scored his first career hat trick. He became the fourth NHL defenseman who was 36 or older to record a hat trick.

Sennecke became jus the second rookie with a 60 point season, Trevor Zegras did in in 2021-22 with 61 points.

Carlsson scored his 60 NHL goal in 198 games played. He became just the third Ducks player to score 60 goals before playing 200 NHL games. Paul Kariya did it in 118 games and Bobby Ryan did so in 139 games.

Dostal recorded his 30th win this season becoming the sixth Anaheim goalie in team history to do so.

Radko Gudas and Cutter Gauthier both did not play. Gudas has been practicing in a non-contact jersey and Gauthier has not been practicing.

What’s Next?

The Ducks host the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday at 5PM.

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April 10th, 2026