Ducks vs Coyotes RECAP: A Rookie Revolution

First Period:

Jamie Drysdale starts the game and had a shot attempt

Well then, the positive vibes wore off in the second shift. Isac Lundestrom and Cam Fowler combined for a turnover behind their own net. The puck drifted toward Nick Schmaltz who quickly sent the puck to the crease. Jani Hakanpaa had a chance to block the pass, but it trickled past him. The puck ended up on the tape of an unguarded Connor Garland who had plenty of time to measure Ryan Miller. 1-0 Arizona on their first shot on goal.

The Coyotes would go on to score on their second shot of the game. Jani Hakanpaa blew a tire behind his own net which left Clayton Keller all alone in the slot. It took a perfect shot to beat Miller short side above the shoulder. So far just another Anaheim Ducks game. 2-0 Arizona. 

Even though the Ducks outshot the Coyotes 10-4 and held their opponent without a shot in the last ten minutes, they trailed 2-0 after the first period.

Second Period:

After over half a period of a bunch of nothing, the Ducks started to play hockey? Yes, question mark intended. Anaheim started to show some life with consistent offense zone time. In one game, Drysdale showed he already has what it takes to be a better hockey player than most of the current Ducks roster. He was able to show some creativity along the blue line and threw a puck toward the net. The puck deflected off of an Arizona defenseman and resulted in the defenseman’s first NHL goal in his first NHL game. 2-1 Ducks.

Two and a half minutes later, Terry led a rush down the middle of the slot. As soon as he looked like he had a chance for a quick shot, he fed a pass down the middle to a streaking Trevor Zegras. The other rookie lit up the highlight reel with a classic toe drag around goalie Adin Hill. To make the goal even more significant, Drysdale was able to pick up the second assist. It’s amazing when the Ducks actually let the fun players play with each other. Somehow it works and we’re all shocked it took so long. 2-2 tie.

The second period came to an end with a 2-2 tie and shots 20-15 favoring the Ducks.

Third Period:

Without a goal to break the tie, Anaheim and Arizona headed to overtime to decide the game.

Overtime:

The Ducks started the overtime with a powerplay and led with Getzlaf, Henrique, Rakell, and Shattenkirk. Even though Eakins sat the two fun rookies, Henrique was able to pull off the game winning goal with assists from Shattenkirk and Rakell.

It was nice to see the Ducks back in the win column with a 3-2 final score over the Arizona Coyotes. Next game will be a home rematch against the same Coyotes on Saturday.

Other Milestones:

1.     Ryan Getzlaf also picked up his 700th assist. 

2.     Ryan Miller won his 390th NHL game and officially passed Dominik Hasek for 14th place on the NHL all-time list.