VIDEO: Ducks Rally Comes Up Short In Vegas

Photo: Las Vegas Review-Journal

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks hit the road to take on the Vegas Golden Knights for two games.

Before the game it was revealed that John Gibson suffered a facial laceration after a collision in practice on Monday. Gibson needed stitches but still made the trip to Vegas as he is expected to start on Thursday. Ryan Miller got the start and Anthony Stolarz was the backup, who was called up from the taxi squad.

Ryan Getzlaf returned to the lineup and Derek Grant was a healthy scratch.

First Period

Both teams exchanged scoring chances to start the game, but neither scored. The Golden Knights would break through halfway through the first period as Chandler Stephenson would beat Miller five-hole. Vegas would get lucky and score again as Reilly Smith would take a shot that would redirect off Jonathan Marchessault and past Miller.

With Vegas up 2-0, Nicolas Deslauriers dropped the gloves with Ryan Reaves in the final moments of the period.

Second Period

Vegas would extend their lead to 3-0 as Alex Such would be score after lifting the puck over Miller’s shoulder and just under the crossbar. The Ducks would get on the board as Isac Lundestrom would score to get the Ducks within two goals. Nicolas Roy would add a goal late in the period to give Vegas a 4-1 lead after two periods.

Third Period

Anaheim mounted a comeback in the third period. Just five minutes in and Troy Terry would roof one over Fleury to make 4-2. A few minutes later and a streaking Adam Henrique would get a pass in the slot and beat Fleury low. The Ducks would then go on a power play and Ryan Getzlaf would redirect the puck at the side of the net to tie the game up at four.

It looked like the Ducks could be headed to another overtime, but Zach Whitecloud scored in the final minutes of the game to give Vegas a 5-4 lead. The Ducks pulled Miler and tried to tie up the game, but couldn’t get another goal.

Analysis

The Ducks got down early in this game, but managed to rally late in this game. Deslauriers dropped the gloves to get his team going. Anaheim started to create chances in the second period and got one goal, but a few bounces didn’t go there way in this game. It was great to see them come out in the third period on fire and not quit. Hopefully the Ducks can work on better starts this season so they don’t have to try to dig out of these big deficits.

The teams are scheduled to play again on Thursday, but the post game interviews were cut short due to COVID protocols. We will have to wait and see if the game is rescheduled. After Thursday, the Ducks don’t play again until next Monday.

What’s Next?

The Ducks are scheduled to play the Golden Knights again on Thursday at 7PM PT.

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February 9th, 2021