VIDEO: Zegras Pulls Off The Michigan, Ducks Edge Canadiens 5-4

Photo: Screenshot Bally Sports

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks continued their road trip against the Montreal Canadiens. Adam Henrique was activated off the IR and returned to action. Josh Manson also drew in after being out on the COVID protocol. Anthony Stolarz was in net against Cayden Primeau.

Recap

Sam Carrick would make a move and break in alone on net and beat Primeau to make it 1-0 almost halfway through the opening period.

Ryan Getzlaf would get high-sticked and the Ducks would get a four minute power play. In the first two minutes, Cam Fowler ripped a slap shot through traffic that Primeau high over the shoulder to make it 2-0. Troy Terry would then score on the second power play from the face-off dot on a one-timer to put the Ducks up by three.

Sam Montembeault replaced Primeau in net to start the said period.  Montreal got a goal just over a minute into the middle frame by Jake Evans to make it a 3-1 game.

Trevor Zegras then pulled off “The Michigan” to make it a 4-1 game.

Artturi Lehkonen would score on the power play to again bring Montreal within two goals.

Zegras would then answer with a goal from the slot and the Ducks held a 5-2 advantage after two periods of play.

Evans would get his second of the game to start the third to once again get the Canadiens within two goals. Later in the period, Laurent Dauphin would be awarded a penalty shot and score to cut Anaheim’s lead to one. Montreal pulled their goalie in the final minutes, but couldn’t get the tying score.

Anaylsis:

The Ducks started off slow only registering one shot on goal in the first seven minutes or so of the game. Carrick was able to get the Ducks going with an early goal. The high sticking penalty proved to be costly for Montreal as the Ducks would score twice on the power play.

Zegras stole the show in the second period achieving “The Michigan” goal and then scoring again later in the period. The Canadiens did get on the board a few times, but the Ducks still had a three goal lead.

Things did get a little hectic in the third period as Montreal to their credit didn’t quit and scored twice to make this game close in the final minutes. The Canadiens did out shoot the Ducks 40 to 24 and won 57% of the face-offs, but they couldn’t quite compete the comeback against the Ducks.

It would have been nice to see Zegras get a hat trick, but it was great to see him score “The Michigan” and continue to make exciting and fun plays on the ice. The Ducks have exceeded expectations so far this season and have been fun to watch.

Team Notes/Stats:

The Ducks are now 2-0-1 on the road trip. They registered points in their last four games.

Getzlaf was high-sticked and was bleeding from his forehead. He left the game and did not return. He may need to have some stitches, but shouldn’t be out long term.

What’s Next?

The Ducks travel to Ottawa to face the Senators Saturday at 9:20 AM PT.

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January 27th, 2022