Ducks Score First, But Lose 3-1

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks hosted the Boston Bruins Sunday night at Honda Center. John Gibson was in net against Linus Ullmark for Boston. Leo Carlsson was a healthy scratch. General Manager Pat Verbeek wants to rest him at times in the first half of the season and plans to play him more often in the second half.

Recap

The teams battled back and forth for two periods without either team scoring. The Ducks had three power plays and the Bruins had four of their own in the first 40 minutes of the game, but neither could convert with the extra man.

Troy Terry nearly had a breakaway with just over three minutes left in the second period. He got out of the penalty box and Ilya Lyubushkin tried to hit him on a stretch pass, but the puck bounced just out of reach towards the Boston net.

The Ducks took the lead about five minutes into the third period. Ryan Strome took a shot that was blocked, but Mason McTavish got to the rebound and pushed the puck past Ullmark.

The Bruins then answered a little more than a minute later with a goal by Matthew Poitras, his first of his career. Poitras would then score again about halfway through the period to give Boston a 2-1 lead.

The Ducks would pull Gibson for the extra attacker and Brad Marchand scored in the empty net. Ducks would drop this one 3-1.

Analysis:

This was the best game so far this season for Anaheim in terms of puck possession and even strength play. Anaheim posted a 60.24% CF% and 61.69% FF% in all even strength situations. They also outshot Boston 21-17 in those situations. In total, the Ducks had five more shots on goal than the Bruins with 31-26 advantage. Anaheim attempted 50 shots to 33 for Boston on the night.

In terms of special teams, both teams were perfect on the penalty kill. Neither team was able to cash in with the man advantage. The Ducks still need to play more discipline as they tend to go shorthanded 5-6 times a game.

Leo Carlsson did sit out this game, which drew the ire of many as it was announced just prior to the game that he would be a healthy scratch. It appears the plan is to rest Carlsson especially in back-to-back situations as had occurred this past weekend. Pat Verbeek wants him to be a work horse in the second half of the season and doesn’t want him to “hit a wall” halfway through the season.

The Ducks had a rough schedule to start the season with two back-to-back scenarios. They also played teams with a combined 20-5-1 record, which included Boston(5-0-0) and Vegas(6-0-0) who are both undefeated. The difference may not be reflected in the record, but Anaheim is playing much better already than last year. They have been in every single game heading to the third period. The process is working and the results will follow in time.

Team News/Notes:

Urho Vaakanainen made his season debut.

The Ducks are 1-1-0 when wearing their 30th anniversary jerseys this season.

What’s Next?

The Ducks travel to Columbus tomorrow to play the Blue Jackets at 3:30 PM.

Support us by becoming a DucksNPucks patron! Members can win game tickets, Ducks gear, and more!

Want to start your sports media career? Then Join The Puck Network!

DucksNPucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team. What are you waiting for? Start your sports media career TODAY!

October 22nd, 2023