DUCKS VS AVALANCHE RECAP: So Close, but Actually Really Far
The Ducks came into this one having gone 0-6-2 in their past 8 games. For those counting, that is 8 losses in a row. To play on a line from South Park, “if you don’t win games, you’re going to have a bad time”. The Ducks have had their ups and downs during this skid, playing both bad a losing and playing well and losing. Either way, the team is not good despite a few breakout-type performances sprinkled in.
Dallas Eakins decided the best way to end the losing streak was to roll 7 d-men leaving a vacant wing spot on the 4th line…4D Chess maybe? Josh Manson also made his return to the Anaheim lineup as the 7th d-man. The Avs countered by not playing Nathan McKinnon which should help the Ducks, but probably not. Let’s review how things shook out.
FIRST PERIOD
Both teams came out flying a bit. There were long stretches between whistles and it seemed like both teams were trying “home run” passes. The Avs controlled play for the most part and were gifted a few odd-man rushes as the Ducks had some neutral zone turnovers the put them in bad positions. Although the chances were not that dangerous, John Gibson was up to the task.
With about 5 minutes left in the period, Nazim Kadri appeared to have put the Avs up 1-0. As the rebound bounced up high to the left of Gibson and Kadri was able to swat it out of the air and into the net. Gibson did well to even get close to stopping this as Kadri’s bid came from out by the faceoff circle. Impressive as it was, the goal would not stand as it was deemed to bit hit in with a high stick.
Ducks would go on a powerplay when the Avs were called for hooking with 4:10 to go in the period. Unfortunately, the powerplay was short-lived as Troy Terry took a “slashing” penalty 40 seconds in. I am not one to hammer the refs on weak calls too often, but this was the definition of a weak call… Four on four was pretty uneventful and the Ducks were able to kill off the shortened Avalanche powerplay.
The Ducks would use the penalty kill momentum to close the period strong with some solid shifts. Those solid shifts would lead to an Adam Henrique goal with just 14 seconds left in the period. After an extended shift that included a prior dangerous Rico attempt, Rickard Rakell was able to feed a beautiful pass to Henrique who ripped in from the slot. Ducks up 1-0. Period over.
SECOND PERIOD
The second got off to a great start. See below as Jakob Silfverberg was able to rip home an NHL ’21-esq goal firing a goal from the top right of the faceoff circle past Philipp Grubauer’s left shoulder. Grubauer no doubt wants the one back, but Silf absolutely ripped this shot right where momma hides the cookies. See below. Be impressed. 2-0 Ducks.
From there on, the Avs basically took it to the Ducks. They were strong on the forecheck and seemed to keep hemming the Ducks in their own zone. If you give a team enough kicks at the can, eventually they are going to get a goal.
Valeri Nichushkin would be the first to score for the Avs. An extended shift for the Avs led to Nichushkin sneaking free right on the doorstep and he was able to put it home. 2-1 Ducks.
The Avs continued their pressure for the rest of the period and with 2:37 left to go, Brandon Saad was able to tap home another doorstep goal off a bit of a broken play. 2-2 tie game.
Silf was interviewed at intermission and basically said the Ducks were not pushing play for the second half of that period and needed to get back to being aggressive to have a chance in the third. Solid summary. Let’s see if the Ducks could turn it around.
THIRD PERIOD
As high flying as the first two periods were, the third was the opposite. Seemed to drag along a bit with both teams not giving up much in the neutral zone. The Avs had the better play in the third and led in chances. All in all, it was pretty uneventful. The Ducks were able to hold the Avs off and were able to grab a point and head to overtime.
OVERTIME
Overtime was almost over quickly as Cam Fowler was able to drive up the right side of the Colorado zone. He pulled up and made a great pass to Sam Steel. Unfortunately, Steel shot the puck just over the crossbar.
The OT period would come to an end as Val Nichushkin was able to steamroll his way to the front of the net and tuck the puck just under the pads of Gibby.
Game over. Avs win. Ducks losing streak extends to 9, but at least they got a point?
QUICK STATS
Shots on Goal – ANA: 28 COL: 34
5v5 CF% – ANA: 38.3% COL: 61.7%
5v5 xGF – ANA: 1.43 COL: 2.35
5v5 xGF% – ANA: 37.91 SJ: 62.09
**All stats courtesy of naturalstattrick.com
FINAL THOUGHTS
1) Ducks were outplayed in this one basically from the get-go, but I thought they had some decent counter-punch opportunities.
2) Dallas Eakins seems to be his own worst enemy. I cannot understand why he plays the guys he does and when he does. I can understand wanting to hold Trevor Zegras accountable for a few turnovers, but to hold him out for extended shifts when the team very clearly lacks any offensive danger, is a bit much to me. Players (especially 19-year-old rookies) are going to make mistakes. They will also learn from them. As most of the Ducks fanbase/critics would say “LET THE KIDS PLAY”.
3) I have heard a couple of prospect evaluators and hockey pundits compare Jamie Drysdale to Colorado’s Samuel Girard. Just want to point out that if Girard is Drysdale’s comparable, that is just fine by me. Love watching that guy skate around. (Think/hope Drysdale will be better for the record)
3 STARS
1) Val Nichushkin
2) Brandon Saad
3) Samuel Girard
NEXT UP
The Ducks and Avs are back at it tomorrow night at 5 PM PST at Ball Arena.