VIDEO: Ducks Can’t Tame Panthers
By Michael Walters
The Anaheim Ducks returned home to host the Florida Panthers. They wore their new reverse retro jerseys for the first time this season. Glenn Gawdin made his debut as a Duck. John Gibson was in net against Spencer Knight.
Recap
Florida got two power plays in the opening period. The Ducks killed off the first, but Carter Verhaeghe deflected a point shot from Brandon Montour past Gibson to make it 1-0.
The Ducks nearly tied up the game at the end of the period as Mason McTavish almost slipped the puck between Knight’s pads, but he was able to make the save.
In the beginning of the second period Brandon Montour would score on a point shot to make it 2-0. The Ducks would then respond with two goals. Adam Henrique tipped a Ryan Strome point shot to get the Ducks on the board. Then Kevin Shattenkirk found Strome at the side of the net for an easy score.
Jakob Silfverberg had a quality scoring chance at the end of the period, but Knight made the save. The teams headed to the locker room tied at two.
The Panthers would regain the lead early in the third period. A point shot would come to the net and get blocked. Sam Reinhart would get to the loose puck and put it in during the mad scramble in front of the net.
There were back-to-back penalties called on Anaheim early in the third period, but Florida only had an abbreviated 5-on-3 as they were called for a penalty shortly afterward. There was some 4-on-4 play and the Ducks had a short power play. No one scored during this entire sequence.
Sam Bennett would extend Florida’s lead to 4-2 when beat Gibson in the slot area. Florida held a two goal advantage until the final minutes of the game.
With a few minutes left the Ducks pulled Gibson for the extra attacker. Cam Fowler was called for tripping with just one minute and 33 seconds to go. Despite being shorthanded Isac Lundestrom broke in on Knight and had a chance to score, but he was slashed by Gustav Forsling. Lundestrom was awarded a penalty shot and he made it count beating Knight with a nice backhand move. The Ducks would end up losing 5-3 as the Panthers scored a buzzer beating empty net goal.
Analysis
The Ducks got off to another slow start with only three shots on goal halfway into the first period. Anaheim did get down 2-0, but were able to fight back with two goals in 27 seconds by Henrique and Strome. The Ducks have been able to rally down by multiple goals this season, but they don’t want to make being down multiple goals a trend.
This was another game where the Ducks struggled at even strength play. Their puck possession numbers during 5-on-5 play were 39.34% CF% and 44.05%. They nearly gave up 50 shots on goal as they were out shot 48 to 35. Florida also won 60% of the face-offs. Anaheim’s special teams continue to be a concern. They also gave up two power play goals, even though the second one was in the last second of the game. The Ducks had two power play chances, but didn’t convert on either man advantage. Ducks continue to be a work in progress.
Team Notes/Stats:
Isac Lundestrom scored his first goal of the season.
Glenn Gawdin made his Anaheim debut. He had one shot on goal and was a -1.
The Ducks are the only team in the NHL without a regulation win.
What’s Next?
The Ducks host the Wild on Wednesday at 7 PM.
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November 6th, 2022