VIDEO: Ducks Sink Islanders 4-1

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks(4-1-1) hosted the New York Islanders(2-2-0). John Gibson went in net against Thomas Greiss

First Period

The teams came out exchanging chances, but no one scored early on in this period. Gibson had to make several saves early on. The Islanders eventually got a power play, but the Ducks were able to kill it out. Max Comtois and Scott Mayfield dropped the gloves toward the end of the period. Comtois has been a physical presence, but he had difficulty fighting the more experienced Mayfield. The Ducks did get a late power play and Ryan Kesler scored with just six seconds to go to give the Ducks a 1-0 lead after the first period.

Second Period

In the middle period, the teams exchanged power plays but neither team could convert. It appeared the Islanders tied the game when Mathew Barzal got to a rebound and pushed the puck past Gibson as he tried to cover it. After a review, the officials determine that Gibson had covered the puck and Barzal interfered with him by pushing his glove back towards the net. Kesler would then get his second goal of the game. He shot it once past Greiss and came out of the net quickly back to Kesler, so he shot into the net second time. At first glance, it appeared like the first shot hit the post, but in fact, it did hit the back of the net. Ducks led 2-0 after two periods.

Third Period

The Ducks would take a 3-0 lead just 42 seconds into the period. Adam Henrique would swing at a deflected puck and hit it mid-air into the back of the net. In the final minutes of the game, the Islanders would pull their goalie and eventually get a goal. Casey Cizikas tipped a point shot past Gibson. Hampus Lindholm would then get an empty net goal and the Ducks won 4-1.

Analysis

The Ducks turned in a solid performance to improve to 5-1-1. Kesler scored twice in this game and came close to having a hat trick. This appeared to be a statement game for him. In his post-game interview, he said this was a “big middle finger” to his doubters. Anaheim won the special teams battle scoring on the power play and shutting down the Islanders when they had the extra man. Gibson had another strong effort only giving up one goal in the final minute in which the puck was deflected several times before getting past him.

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October 18th, 2018