Ducks Send Silfverberg Off In Style

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks closed out the regular season on the road in Las Vegas against the Golden Knights. Lukas Dostal was in net against Adin Hill. Cutter Gauthier made his NHL debut.

Recap

There was no scoring in the opening period. Vegas held a 11 to 4 shot on goal advantage in the first 20 minutes.

In the second period, Michael Amadio was called hooking just three minutes in. Frank Vatrano scored on the power play to give the Ducks a 1-0 lead. Cam Fowler passed Vatrano the puck and he one-timed it from the right circle past Hill glove side.

In the final minutes of the period, Gustav Lindstrom was called for high-sticking and the Golden Knights cashed in. Jack Eichel took a shot which deflected off an Anaheim stick and past Dostal. The teams were tied at two after two periods.

Jackson LaCombe scored in the opening minute of third to make it 2-1. Cutter Gauthier found LaCombe in the left face-off circle and he one-timed the pass low to beat Hill.

Vatrano scored about 30 seconds later on a rush up ice. He took a quick wrist shot that beat Hill over the shoulder. Anaheim suddenly led 3-1 to start the period.

With about two minutes to go, Troy Terry was called for hooking. Vegas pulled Hill for the 6-on-4 advantage. Vatrano scored in the empty net to earn the hat trick and the Ducks went on to win 4-1.

Analysis:

The Ducks were able to send off Silfverberg into the sunset with a victory over the defending Stanley Cup Champs. Anaheim got off to a slow start in the first period, but started to pick things up in the second period. Two quick goals 30 seconds apart to start the third proved to be too much for Vegas to overcome.

There were some moments where it looked like Silfverberg might not be able to finish the game. He went to the locker room in the second period when he apparently cut his hand, but returned a few minutes later. He wasn’t on the bench for the start of the third period, but he returned about 9 minutes into the final frame and finished the game.

What a season for Frank The Tank Vatrano as he finished it with a hat trick. He had three total hat tricks this season, with the first coming on October 15th against Carolina at home and then the second coming on October 28th in Philadelphia. He had his best single season scoring a personal best 37 goals.

Gauthier looked very solid his first NHL game. He played just over 15 minutes and saw action on the power play. He had three shots on goal and recorded an assist. He displayed his quick hands, play making ability, and a solid two-way game.

Anaheim is guaranteed a top five draft pick this season as they finished third worst in the league. They will be able to get some quality talent as they have seven draft picks in the first three rounds. The Ducks will be exciting to watch next season and could compete for a playoff spot if they can stay healthy. Injuries were a big thorn in their side this season.

Team Notes/Stats:

Jakob Silfverberg played in his final NHL game. He appeared in 772 games with Anaheim recording 354 total points (158 G + 196 A). His first season he was with the Ottawa Senators and played 48 games. Silfverberg is a quiet leader and consistent player, who been a class act throughout his career. I wish him the best in Sweden where he still plans to play some more hockey in the SHL.

Dostal played in 44 games this season, which is the most for any Ducks rookie goalie in franchise history.

Thank you to everyone who followed along this season and in years past. This has been the 10th season my team and I have covered the Anaheim Ducks and we greatly appreciate the support. We couldn’t do this without you the dedicated Ducks fans.

Let’s GO DUCKS!

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April 19th, 2024