VIDEO: Ducks Sprong Past Jackets In OT
By Stephanie Mazzuca and Richard Gonzalez
The Anaheim Ducks start their six-game road trip against the Columbus Blue Jackets. John Gibson was in net for the Ducks and Sergei Bobrovsky was in net for the Blue Jackets. Ducks’ forward Andrew Cogliano played in his 900th career NHL game.
Period 1
Anaheim was off to a strong start by playing a physical game and creating shot attempts, though the Blue Jackets managed to keep pace with their scoring chances. Halfway through the first period, Nick Ritchie (4-7-11) received a minor hooking penalty against Markus Nutivaara (3-9-12) and Columbus started their first power play of the night. The Blue Jackets were unable to convert. With less than 8 minutes remaining in the period, Boone Jenner (6-8-14) won a faceoff against Carter Rowney (2-3-5) and passed the puck to Markus Nutivaara (3-9-12). Nutivaara’s powerful shot found the back of the net and put Columbus on the board at 0-1. The Ducks didn’t lose their confidence and managed to fend off strong offensive pressure from the Blue Jackets. With 4 minutes left, Daniel Sprong (1-4-5) scored on a wrist shot, assisted by Josh Manson (3-4-7), to tie the game. The first period ended with a score of 1-1.
Period 2
In what can be considered one of their better period performances this season, the Ducks pressured the Blue Jackets into their zone. Columbus goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky made several key saves as Anaheim attacked the net. After more back-and-forth play, Pontus Aberg (10-7-17) received a slashing penalty with 5 minutes remaining in the period. The Blue Jackets created multiple shots on goal, but John Gibson stood tall as usual. Still, at a score of 1-1, the Anaheim Ducks headed to their locker room to end the second period.
Period 3
Columbus came out strong in the final period, ultimately outshooting the ducks at 11 to 7 shots on goal. Both teams’ frustration was apparent as they increased the physicality of their play. John Gibson again made key saves after the Ducks’ defense suffered several defensive breakdowns both in their zone and in the neutral zone. After Gibson stopped a dangerous backhand shot from Brandon Dubinsky (3-6-9), a scrum broke out in front of the Anaheim net. This led to one roughing penalty on each team; Jake Dotchin (0-1-1) sat for the Ducks and Riley Nash (1-3-4) warmed the penalty box for the Blue Jackets. Two minutes later, Dotchin returned to the penalty box to serve a hooking minor. Columbus attacked the Anaheim net relentlessly but was unable to get any pucks past goaltender John Gibson. The period ended still at a score of 1-1, so Anaheim headed to their 12th overtime session of the season.
Overtime
Tonight’s overtime session was brief but eventful. The OT period started with Ryan Getzlaf (8-18-26) winning the faceoff against Nick Foligno (7-10-17) and sending the Ducks into neutral ice with possession. One minute later, defenseman Seth Jones (6-12-18) regained control of the puck for Columbus but sent it across the rink for an icing penalty. Adam Henrique (6-11-17) then won the resulting faceoff and passed the puck to Daniel Sprong (1-4-5), who scored the game-winning goal. The Ducks won against the Blue Jackets with a final score of 2-1.
Analysis
The Ducks gave up the first goal but didn’t let that stop them from bringing their game and getting one back to tie it up. Sprong had a very strong game going two for two on his shots on goal. Despite being outshot 37-22, the Ducks played better defensively and didn’t give up too many chances in front of their net. They also dominated the face-off circle winning 66 percent of the draws. Gibson, of course, played great making some key saves to keep the Ducks in this one. This is a good way to start the road trip. Next game in on Monday (12/17) against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Game Note/Stats
Andrew Cogliano played in his 900th career regular season game.
The Ducks are 8-1-0 in their last nine games.
This win marked Anaheim’s fifth straight road win.
Sprong’s two goals in one game and three total goals this season are both career highs.
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December 15th, 2018