VIDEO: Avs Edge The Ducks

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks started the weekend by hosting the Colorado Avalanche for a pair of games. Prior to the puck drop, Rickard Rakell was activated from the IR and returned to the lineup. Ryan Getzlaf was added to the IR. John Gibson was in net against Jonas Johansson.

The Game

There wasn’t much happening to begin this contest. The Avs and Ducks exchanged a handful of chances in the beginning, but there was no scoring. Colorado got an early power play when Max Comtois was called for tripping, but Anaheim killed off the penalty.

The Ducks appeared to get their first power play of the game in the second period, but it was short lived. Cam Fowler was called for holding a few seconds later and then Jakob Silfverberg was also called for holding. Colorado had a 4-on-3 power play and brief 5-on-3 advantage, but Anaheim again was able to keep the game scoreless.

Towards the end of the second period, Valeri Nichushkin would score to give the Avs the 1-0 lead. The Ducks would finally get a full power play in the third period, but they couldn’t convert. Anaheim pulled Gibson in the final minutes of the game, but Mikko Rantanen added an empty net goal to earn the 2-0 victory.

Analysis

This was an usual game to watch between these two teams. In all the matchups this season, there is plenty of scoring and a race to see who can outscore the other team in 60 minutes. Instead this contest was a goalie battle where it was only going to take one goal to win the game. Unfortunately for the Ducks, it was the Avs that got the goal and then held on for the win.

Rickard Rakell looked good in his return with five shots on net and he had a few good chances to get Anaheim on the board. Sam Carrick and Danton Heinen also had some chances, but still came up empty. Not a bad effort overall for the Ducks who are still without several players. The Ducks will take on the Avs again on Sunday.

Team News/Stats:

Chase De Leo was called up and got to play in his first game with Anaheim this season.

Isac Lundestrom was scratched due to an appendicitis.

Derek Grant also did not play due to flu-like symptoms(non COVID related.)

What’s Next?

The Ducks host the Avs tomorrow at 3 PM PT.

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April 10th, 2021