Ducks Down Blue Jackets 4-3

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks continued their homestand against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Lukas Dostal was in net against Elvis Merzlikins.

The Ducks scored twice early on to take a 2-0 lead. Olen Zellweger found Mikael Granlund in the slot and he one-timed the pass for the opening score.

Jacob Trouba then scored about 46 seconds later. Ryan Poehling found him just inside the blue line and Trouba one-timed the pass low for the second goal.

Columbus answered a few minutes later on the power play. Charlie Coyle found Dmitri Voronkov next to the net, who redirected the pass high into the back of the net. Anaheim had a 2-1 lead after the first period.

The Blue Jackets tied the game up early in the second period. Mason Marchment deflected a shot from Damon Severson into the net.

About 10 minutes later Mason McTavish scored to regain the lead for Anaheim. Ross Johnston got to a loose puck behind the Columbus net and found McTavish in the slot for the score.  Anaheim led 3-2 after two periods.

Zach Werenski tied the game at three with just under eight minutes to go. He took a wrist shot from the left circle and scored high on Dostal.

Granlund found Pavel Mintyukov in the slot for the go ahead score with about three and half minutes to go. Columbus pulled their goalie in the final minute and the Ducks were able to hang on to win 4-3.

Analysis:

After getting blown out the night before, Anaheim came out with a strong start scoring twice early in the first period. Columbus did battle back down 2-0 and 3-2, but the Ducks were able to pull out the win with a late goal by Mintyukov.

In terms of even strength Columbus had 63 shot attempts to 52 for Anaheim, but the Ducks ended up with 28 shots on goal to 26 for the Blue Jackets. The Ducks posted a CF% of 45.22% and FF% of 53.75% at even strength. Anaheim continues to struggle with their special teams. The Ducks went 0-for-3 on the power play and they gave up one goal in two man advantages for the Blue Jackets.

The Ducks were able to pull this one out with the benefit of the early two goal lead and Dostal played better after the disaster of game the night before. Anaheim still needs to clean up their defensive game.

Poehling has quietly put together a four game point streak. He has been able to up his play making ability finding his teammates for goals lately. The fourth line had a solid game as Johnston also assisted on the McTavish goal. He has a career high of 10 points (2 G + 8 A) this season.

Overall the Ducks needed to respond after the game against Dallas and they were able to rebound with a win. They also avenged the loss earlier in the week in Columbus.

Team Notes/Stats:

The Ducks are 12-2-0 when they score first.

Poehling recorded and assist extending his point streak to four games (one goal, five assists).

What’s Next?

The Ducks host the Utah Mammoth on Monday at 7PM.

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December 21st, 2025