Ducks Down The Rangers 4-1

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks continued their road trip against the New York Rangers. It was the first time Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba returned to NY since their trades to Anaheim. Lukas Dostal was in net against Igor Shesterkin.

There was no scoring in the first period. The Ducks got on the board first early on in the second period. Anaheim got into penalty trouble and found themselves killing off a 5-on-3 Ranger power play. Ryan Poehling led a counter rush down the ice and was denied in close. Jackson LaCombe followed up the play and whacked at the loose puck a few times before beating Shesterkin low for the score.

The Rangers tied up the game with just under four minutes to go in the middle frame. A point shot deflected high over Dostal and into the back of the net. It appeared Vincent Trocheck hit the puck with a high stick, but it also went off Dostal’s stick so it was deemed a good goal for New York. Matthew Robertson was credited with the goal.

Cutter Gauthier broke the tie with a power play goal early in the third period. Beckett Sennecke found him in the slot and he wristed the puck past Shesterkin.

With less than two minutes to go, New York pulled their goalie and Gauthier scored into the empty net to make it a 3-1 game. Pavel Mintyukov then scored in the final seconds of the game it make it a 4-1 final.

Analysis:

The final score will be a bit deceiving as this was really a tight contest until the final minute of the game. The Ducks got into penalty trouble in the second period and the Rangers had 5-on-3 power play, but Anaheim was able to score shorthanded. The Ducks ended up keeping the Rangers off the board in four power play attempts. Anaheim went 1-for-3 with the man advantage.

Sennecke continues to have success finding Gauthier on the power play to add to his point total. He leads all rookies with 27 total points (10 G + 17A). Gauthier leads the team in goals scored with 18 and also has 18 assists on the season.

Dostal played solid in his second start after returning from injury. He stopped 26 of 27 Rangers shots on goal and the one score against him was an odd play, which was reviewed and awarded to New York. It appeared the puck was knocked it with a high stick, but it went off Dostal’s stick before floating into the net.

It was an emotional night for Chris Kreider and Jacob Trouba, who were both welcomed back to MSG with tribute videos from the Rangers.

Team Notes/Stats:

This was the first win by Anaheim in New York since November 4th, 2013.

Gauthier scored twice and now leads the team with 18 goals.

The Ducks reached 20 wins this season in 33 games which is the fifth fewest games in franchise history.

What’s Next?

The Ducks play the Columbus Blue Jackets tomorrow at 4 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!

December 15th, 2025