Ducks vs Golden Knights RECAP: A Blinding Shiny Win
The Ducks returned to the ice on Thursday to once again take on the Vegas Golden Knights, despite the COVID scare that had occurred just two days prior during Tuesday’s game. The NHL reviewed the case and the contact tracing and determined that Thursday’s game was to be played as scheduled. The Ducks chose to scratch Danton Heinen for this game, because with an abundance of offense, who needs a play-driving forward?
The Ducks would ultimately end their Vegas woes and grab a 1-0 victory, but this one was different than the typical 1-0 Ducks game. This one didn’t require John Gibson to stand on his head, and boy was that a relief to watch. A fantastic performance all around from everyone.
1st Period
I can’t quite remember what happened in the first few minutes of the game because Vegas wore the shiniest gold helmets and it was so awful that I couldn’t even begin to think about hockey. But nobody scored, so I guess it’s good news that the Ducks weren’t as distracted as I was. The middle portion of the first period was completely dominated by the Ducks positionally, but they were unable to get on the board.
The first penalty of the game went against Anaheim with 2:58 left in the period, a high sticking call against Max Jones, but the Ducks were able to kill the penalty with only needing one high quality save from Gibson. The remainder of the period went in favor of Anaheim once again in momentum, but neither team was able to get on the board. 0-0 after 1, with shots favoring Anaheim 12-4.
2nd Period
The 2nd period started a lot more evenly matched, but Derek Grant would take a holding penalty with 16:17 left in the frame. Back to the penalty kill once again. The penalty kill once again was successful, and Adam Henrique was able to draw a holding call against Jonathan Marchessault with 12 seconds remaining in their power play, and his tantrum drew him an additional 10-minute misconduct.
The power play had a decent structure to it but the Ducks were ultimately unable to get any shots through against Fleury, and they returned to even strength with no damage done to either side. Still, work to be done on the power play, but at least it’s not a full two minutes of chasing the puck down from behind your own net. Baby steps.
Lundestrom had what I thought was a sure goal on a 2-on-1 rush, but Fleury was able to make the sprawling save of his life to keep it out. Even after seeing the replay, I’m not sure how it didn’t fully cross the goal line. But alas, 0-0 it remained.
The remainder of the period would be more back and forth action, but the end result remained the same once again. 0-0 through two, Ducks still leading in shots, 21-11.
3rd Period
The Ducks would get the first power play of the third period with Vegas being called for too many men. However, the power play would once again not do a whole lot that was remotely threatening, and we can consider this one a baby step backward. Sigh.
THE DUCKS ARE ON THE BOARD! MAX COMTOIS WITH 7:42 LEFT IN REGULATION! I’m gonna be honest, I hadn’t even been recapping the last 5-10 minutes of the game because it was very back and forth and neither team could get an edge, but at long last, sweet relief off the stick of Comtois. 1-0 Ducks.
The Golden Knights would provide a late push, but John Gibson would stand tall, as he always does, and the Ducks left with a 1-0 win, handing the Golden Knights their first regulation loss at home this season. Absolutely massive.
Final Thoughts
This was far and away the best game the Ducks have ever played against the Vegas Golden Knights since the team was introduced into the NHL a few years ago. This could truly be seen as a series that turns the tables on the season for the Ducks and inspires the kind of confidence that could send them on a winning streak that puts them in the playoff conversation. The important thing will be to see how the Ducks continue on in the next week. Keep this momentum rolling and good things will happen.
Three Stars
1. John Gibson
2. Max Comtois
3. Isac Lundestrom/Ryan Getzlaf - Both had great opportunities and both pushed the offense forward. Need more of that from both of them.
Up Next
The Ducks will have a few days off before they take on the San Jose Sharks on Monday night, so enjoy your weekends and stay safe!