Ducks Top The Panthers In OT

Photo: NHL

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks hosted the Florida Panthers for their home opener of the season. Lukas Dostal was in net against Jakob Markstrom.

Recap

The Ducks struck late in the first period on the power play. Cutter Gauthier scored from the left face-off circle on the power play to make it a 1-0 Anaheim lead.

Carter Verhaeghe answered for Florida less than minute later to tie the game. The teams were tied at one after the first period.

Gauthier scored again on the power play in the opening minute of the second period to make it a 2-1 Anaheim lead.

The Ducks held a one goal advantage until later in the third period when Brad Marchand tied game with just under two minutes to go.

In overtime, while on the power play, Leo Carlsson found Mikael Granlund in front of the net for a tap in goal to give Anaheim the win.

Analysis:

The Ducks got off to a slow start as they didn’t get a shot on net until just after the halfway point of the first period. Anaheim then was able to score first on the power play, but then immediately let Florida tie the game back up. The Ducks went ahead by a goal again in the second period and nearly won in regulation until the Panthers tied the game in the final minutes of the third. Granlund then put the Ducks up for good with the game winner in overtime.

Anaheim was outstanding on the power play going 3-for-4. They seemed almost automatic with the man advantage. They were excellent on the penalty kill as well keeping Florida off the board in their four attempts. The Anaheim special teams play was a major factor in the Ducks winning their second game in a row to start the season.

Florida was the better team at even strength. They. put up 56 shot attempts to 33 for Anaheim. They posted a CF% of 62.92% and FF% of 62.16. The Panthers registered 31 shots on goal, but Dostal was very good in net turning 29 of those shots. He was another big reason why Anaheim won this contest.

Unlike the game against Vegas, Anaheim played a full 60 minute(64+) game. They played a big physical Florida team and were able to hold their own. Tristan Luneau had another solid night logging over 26 minutes of ice time, which was second upon all Anaheim skaters. Carlsson and Gautheir led the way offensively as both had three point nights factoring in on all three Anaheim goals.

If these first two games are a snapshot of how the season will unfold, then we are in for a real treat.

Team News/Stats:

Carlsson became the third player in Ducks history to register 5 points in the first two games of the season.

Anaheim has won 11 home openers in a row.

What’s Next?

The Ducks host the Oilers Wednesday at 7PM

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October 5th, 2026