Ducks vs Avalanche RECAP: A Momentum Building Loss
First Period:
The Ducks broadcast started the game by saying it’s Anaheim’s will against Colorado’s will. Well, a hockey game is also Anaheim’s will versus Colorado and we all know how that goes.
It only took a minute into the game for the Ducks to take a penalty. The Avalanche carried the play for all two minutes of their man advantage and made the Ducks pay. Before the conclusion of the power play, all four Ducks defenders ended up on the same side of the ice with two sprawled out on the ice. Samuel Girard sent a pass to a wide-open Joonas Donskoi who ended up with a wide-open goal. 1-0 Colorado.
Anaheim actually put 18 shots on the Colorado goal in the first period. This was a fantastic sign that the team was starting to generate more offense, but only one chance came close to getting into the net. Jakob Silfverberg forced Colorado goaltender Philipp Grubauer (who does not wear Bauer goalie pads) to make two amazing, back-to-back saves. First Grubauer was able to extend his pad to make a desperation toe save and then got some help from newcomer Bowen Byram to clean up the rest.
Second Period:
The Ducks immediately came out for the second period and were able to convert on their first shot of the period. After some good forecheck work from Ryan Getzlaf and Max Jones, Rickard Rakell was able to find the fuck and find Hampus Lindholm sneaking down the middle of the slot. Lindholm’s quick shot skipped off of Grubauer’s glove and narrowly stayed below the crossbar. 1-1 game.
The second period was a much more defensive twenty minutes. Unlike the first, the Avs and Mackinnon were completely shut down. Although the Ducks were only able to put nine shots on the Colorado net, they only allowed the Avalanche to get three pucks on Gibson. If Anaheim can keep that kind of play up against more offensive heavyweights, there might be more success to be had.
After two periods of play, the Ducks led the shot counter 27-16 but the score was tied at one.
Third Period:
Well, it took forty minutes, but this game started to show some back-and-forth action.
Mikko Rantanen broke the tie six minutes into the final frame. Byram was able to skate down from the point near the boards and found Rantanen heading toward the net. The Finnish winger was able to avoid the check of Nicolas Deslauriers and sneak a puck past John Gibson through the five-hole. The goal was also Byram’s first NHL point.
It only took the Ducks a minute to answer with a goal of their own. Adam Henrique picked up the tally by finishing a two on one with Danton Heinen. It took a perfect pass and an even better shot to beat Grubauer to the far side.
Of course, this wasn’t the end of the fun. Hampus Lindholm had been all over the ice this game which included taking two penalties and covering the puck in the defensive crease leading to a Colorado penalty shot. Luckily Gibson stood tall and easily stopped Mackinnon on the late chance.
Overtime:
The third member of the Avalanche’s top line, Gabriel Landeskog, picked up the game-winning goal in a chaotic shift for the Ducks. John Gibson attempted to spring the forwards with a two line pass, but the Avs were able to intercept the puck in the neutral zone. Gibson made an insane save off a two on one to keep the game alive, but after trying to go for a poke check near the right post Landeskog picked up the puck and scored off a wrap around. The Ducks defenders were out of position and were not able to cover.
Final Score: 3-2 Colorado
Three Stars of the Game:
3. Rickard Rakell
2. Colorado Avalanche Gloves and Pants
1. Gabriel Landeskog
Overall, this was the best Anaheim has played all season. Even though they were not able to pick up the win, hopefully, they are able to build some confidence and continue to generate offense.