Ducks Squeak By The Canadiens

Photo: Canadian Press

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks finished their road trip in Montreal against the Canadiens. Lukas Dostal was in net against Jacob Fowler. John Carlson made his Anaheim debut.

The Ducks jumped out to a lead early in the first period. Leo Carlsson scored after a tic-tac-toe passing sequence that involved Chris Kreider and Troy Terry. Anaheim led 1-0 after the first period.

Carlsson scored again in the opening seconds of the middle frame to make it a 2-0 lead. He scored off a one-timer in the slot while Fowler was screened.

Montreal then responded with three goals. Alex Newhook, Cole Caulfield, and Nick Suzuki to give the Canadiens a 3-2 lead.

Troy Terry tied the game up at three with a backhand shot that was deflected and floated over Fowler. The teams were tied at three after two periods.

Cutter Gauthier scored with just under four minutes left to give the Ducks the lead for good. Jeffrey Viel made a behind the back pass to Gauthier in the slot and he scored five-hole. Montreal pulled their goalie in the final minutes, but Anaheim hung on to win 4-3.

Analysis:

The Ducks had a good start to this contest building a 1-0 lead after the first period. Anaheim then made it 2-0 early in the second period, but then things fell apart with Montreal scoring the next three goals. The resilient Ducks were able to tie the game up at the end of the second period and then got a goal from Gauthier late in regulation to pull out the win.

This was another fast and furious contest between these two teams. The Ducks won the first matchup in Anaheim 6-5 in the shootout and it looked like this one might need bonus hockey as well. Gauthier had other plans as he scored the game winner with just over two minutes left in regulation.

Special teams was not a factor in this contest. The Ducks had one power play and didn’t score. The Canadiens had four power plays and did not convert. Anaheim was excellent on the penalty kill.

Carlson didn’t record a point in his Anaheim debut, but he started the play which led to Carlsson’s first goal on this contest. He logged about 23 minutes of ice time, had one shot and was a +1 on the evening.

Terry returned to action and had an immediate impact. He factored in three of the Anaheim goals. He scored once and assisted on two of the other goals. Seeing him on ice was a sight for sore eyes.

Carlsson was on fire tonight. He scored twice and nearly had a hat trick as he almost scored in the empty net a few times in the final moments of this contest.

Team Notes/Stats:

The win put the Ducks back in first place in the Pacific Division over the Vegas Golden Knights.

Gauthier scored his team leading 34th goal.

Mason McTavish was a healthy scratch.

What’s Next?

The Ducks host the Philadelphia Flyers Wednesday at 7 PM.

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March 15th, 2026