Ducks Earn Point Against The Canucks

Photo: The Canadien Press

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks continued their road trip against the Vancouver Canucks. Lukas Dostal got the start in net against Thatcher Demko.

Recap

The Ducks got on the board first in this one. Mason McTavish got the puck behind the Vancouver net and threw the puck towards the slot. The puck deflected off J.T. Miller‘s skate and to Troy Terry, who backhanded the puck past Demko.

Anaheim went on the power play later in the period looking to extend their lead, but Vancouver’s Miller had other plans. Elias Pettersson picked off a pass attempt by Dostal and then found Miller in the slot. He then took a quick shot beating Dostal high stick side to tie things up.

Another penalty was called on Vancouver about a minute later and the Ducks had a brief 5-on-3 power play, but couldn’t convert. The teams went to the locker tied at one.

In the second period, Andrei Kuzmenko scored to make it a 2-1 Vancouver lead. He had the puck on the right side of the net and tried a backhand shot which hit McTavish’s skate and deflected into the net.

Anaheim answered back just 20 seconds later. Trevor Zegras took a shot from the right face-off circle that was blocked, but Brock McGinn was in front of the net and sent the rebound home for the score.

In third period there was no scoring. Both teams had chances to score the go ahead goal, but bonus hockey would be needed in this one. In overtime, it only took 20 seconds for Miller to score as his beat Dostal high in the corner with a wrist shot. Canucks took this one by a 3-2 final.

Analysis:

The Ducks played a fairly even first period in terms of shot on goal and the scoreboard. The Canucks had the upper hand the rest of the way putting 24 shots on goal to Anaheim’s 14. Vancouver had a CF of 57.85% and FF of 62.95% at even strength after the opening period.

Anaheim was able to battle to a regulation tie, despite Vancouver carrying the play after the opening period. The special teams play ended up being a factor in this game. The Ducks had two power plays and an abbreviated 5-on-3 as well, but couldn’t cash in. Instead the Canucks were able to score a shorthanded goal. Vancouver also got some puck luck as their second goal went in off McTavish’s skate.

Team New/Stats:

Brock McGinn scored his first goal as a Duck.

What’s Next?

The Ducks face the Calgary Flames Friday at 6PM PT.

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March 9th, 2023