VIDEO: Ducks Can’t Get Over Hill; Drysdale’s ELC Begins

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks had three days off before facing the Arizona Coyotes Friday in the first of two contests against them this weekend. Anthony Stolarz was in net against Adin Hill.

The Ducks placed John Gibson, Rickard Rakell, and Sam Steel all on the injured reserve list. Gibson did practice in full this week, so he should be back soon.

Trevor Zegras returned to the lineup after being out in the last two contests. Alexander Volkov made his debut as a member of the Ducks.

First Period

Jamie Drysdale was called for interference in the opening minute of the game, but the Ducks were able to kill off the penalty. Then about halfway through the period Nicolas Deslauriers and John Hayden squared off.

Volkov had a great chance at the end of period, but Hill made the save. A few moments later and Volkov would cash in for his first NHL goal as Duck. He received a pass at the side of the net and buried his chance.

The Coyotes did answer with a goal by Johan Larsson before the period was over to tie the game at one apiece.

Second Period

Zegras had a good opportunity at the beginning of the period, but he was denied by Hill.

Jakob Silfverberg would then appear to score on a deflection off the glass behind the Arizona net. The puck would come towards him at the side of the net and he would redirect the puck into the net with his skate. The play would be reviewed by the refs and the goal stood as it was deemed not to be a “distant kicking motion”.

The Coyotes would then also benefit from a weird bounce as the puck would go off the glass in the Zamboni corner and come to Lane Pederson who would score the tying goal as he was all alone in front of the Ducks net.

Adam Henrique and Larsson dropped the gloves.

At the end of the period, Derek Grant had a great chance in front of the Arizona net, but just couldn’t jam it home.

Third Period

The Coyotes would take the lead on another weird play in this contest. Phil Kessel would take the puck almost behind the Anaheim net and try to pass it back in the slot. The puck ended up hitting Volkov, who crashed into the net along with the puck. The play was reviewed and the puck crossed the goal line before the net was knocked out of position.

Arizona would add another goal with about three minutes to go. Head Coach Dallas Eakins challenged the play for goalie interference and the goal stood. The Ducks went shorthanded with a delay of game penalty. Anaheim killed of the penalty and then had a power play, but couldn’t score. Ducks drop this one 4-2.

Analysis:

The Ducks didn’t have a good start to this game getting outshot 14 to 6, but they were able to come out of the period tied at one. Anaheim played better in the second period and if not for a weird bounce they would have been ahead by one after two periods. Another weird play did Anaheim in Kessel’s goal in the third.

There were several unusual goals in this game and unfortunately two of them were for the Coyotes. After the first period, the Ducks played better and could have had a chance for at least overtime until late in the third period. They will take on the Coyotes again on Sunday as more and more players are getting injured and/or being placed on the IR.

Team News/Stats:

Alexander Volkov scored a goal in his first NHL game as an Anaheim Duck.

Ryan Getzlaf left the game halfway through the second period after suffering an upper body injury and did not return.

Jamie Drysdale played in his 7th NHL game last night. As a result, the first year of his three year Entry Level-Contract(ELC) has been “burned” and his contract officially begins this season.

What’s Next?

The Ducks host the Coyotes again this Sunday at 6 PM.

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April 3rd, 2021