VIDEO: Ducks Score 5 Unanswered; Beat Sabres at Home

By Kyle Miller

ANAHEIM, Calif. — After a rough ending to their recent four-game roadtrip the Ducks managed to bounce back with a statement win against the white-hot Buffalo Sabres.

John Gibson, Adam Henrique, and the Ducks penalty kill were critical factors in the comeback win for Anaheim who now owns a 5-2-0 record, and is 3-0-0 at Honda Center this season.

Jack Eichel opened up the scoring for the Sabres at the 7:35 mark in the first period. Josh Manson‘s turnover at the edge of the Sabres zone gave Eichel just enough space to strip the puck and head the other way. A few moments later, Eichel buried his shot past Gibson giving Buffalo their first lead of the night. At 16:36 in the first period, Buffalo would increase their lead to 2 goals. Victor Olofsson would record his sixth powerplay goal of the season.

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The two-goal advantage would be short-lived. A quick response goal by Max Jones would be overturned by video replay for being offside, but Adam Henrique would capitalize on a deflection from the point not long after. Josh Manson was credited with the assist on a shot from the blue line. The Ducks headed to the locker down 2-1 after the first period.

Rickard Rakell would continue the Ducks scoring surge early in the second period tying the game at two. At the 9:14 mark, the Ducks would strike again off a one-timer from Ryan Getzlaf. The goal would give Anaheim their first lead of the night, and their first power-play goal of the season. Henrique registered his second goal of the night with only 13 seconds remaining in the period. Anaheim ended the middle frame up 4-2.

Buffalo would begin the third period on their 6th power play of the night but would fail to register a shot on goal with the extra man. The Sabres failed to convert a few close opportunities early in the 3rd, and Jakob Silfverberg would convert on an empty netter that deflected off of Rasmus Dahlin‘s glove from the Ducks own blue line. Anaheim beat Buffalo 5-2.

Analysis

Despite another slow start, there were a lot of positives to take away from the game. Discipline could have been a key factor in this game, but the Anaheim PK unit managed to kill 6 of 7 opportunities against the No. 1 ranked powerplay in the NHL. Youngsters Sam Steel, and Max Comtois each earned an assist each, and Troy Terry created a lot of great scoring chances in the Sabres end of the ice. Adam Henrique had two goals and had a +4 rating on the night. Anaheim got down by two goals but continued to fight back even when Jones’ goal was overturned. Regardless of the situation this season the Ducks have shown a willingness to not give up.

This game was very entertaining as there were several big hits and post-whistle activities. It felt like a rivalry game Ducks fans are used to seeing when playing against Los Angeles or San Jose. 

Team News/Stats

Gibson stopped 31 of 33 shots and improved to 4-2-0 on the year with a 1.85 GAA and a .941 Sv%

Henrique now leads the team with four goals on the year.

The Ducks handed Buffalo their first regulation loss of the season.

Anaheim has allowed just 12 goals in their first seven games, which is the fewest in franchise history.

Sabres winger Victor Olofsson has a total of eight goals in his career. All of which were scored on the powerplay.

What’s Next?

The Ducks continue the three-game homestand on Friday night at Honda Center against the Carolina Hurricanes at 7:00 PM PT.

 

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October 17th, 2019