VIDEO: Ducks Can’t Hold Off Jets

Photo: AP/Alex Gallardo

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks hosted the Winnipeg Jets for the third and final time of the season. The teams split the two previous meetings. John Gibson was in net against Connor Hellebuyck.

Recap

The Ducks came out strong in the opening period outshooting the Jest 13-6. Anaheim created several chances in the period, but could not convert.

The Jets would score early in the second period to take a 1-0 lead on a goal by Evgeny Svechnikov. The Ducks would then answer. Trevor Zegras would get to a puck and made a pass to Sonny Milano, who buried the puck past Hellebuyck to tie the game at one.

Anaheim had a few power plays at the end of the middle frame, but did not convert. The teams headed to the third period still tied at one apiece.

Josh Manson would blast a point shot past Hellebuyck to give the Ducks a 2-1 lead to start the third period. The Jets would answer back shortly however as Andrew Copp would shoot the puck over the shoulder of Gibson.

Zegras would score to give the Ducks a 3-2 lead. Milano would get to the puck along the boards and find Zebras all alone in the slot, who sniped one past Hellebuyck.

Nikolaj Ehlers would get a late goal to tie the game at three. He would take the shot at a bad angle and as able to shot it just under the crossbar. Just 19 seconds later, Ehlers would strike again on a shot which deflected off a skate and past Gibson.

The Ducks pulled Gibson in the final minute, but could not get the tying goal.

Analysis:

The Ducks probably had the best start to a game this season, but couldn’t get on the board in the opening period. Anaheim outshot Winnipeg 13-6 in the first period and continued their strong play in the middle frame adding 15 more shots on net.

Dallas Eakins did bench Derek Grant and played Sonny Milano instead. Milano had a solid outing with a goal and an assist. He assisted Trevor Zegras on his first goal of the season and Zegras returned the favor. The two developed some good chemistry throughout the game.

This was one of the Ducks best performances this season. Anaheim outshot Winnipeg, blocked 14 shots, and created 14 turnovers. If not for a bad and unlucky 20 second sequence in at the final moments of this one, the Ducks would have walked away with two points.

Team News/Stats:

Sam Carrick and Sonny Milano were reassigned to San Diego and then recalled back up the next day. Both moves were paper transactions.

The Ducks parted ways with Alexander Volkov as they terminated his contract. It appears he was not content with playing in the AHL.

Trevor Zegras scored his first goal of the season.

What’s Next?

The Ducks host the Buffalo Sabres Thursday at 7 PM PT.

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October 26th, 2021