Photo: AP
By Michael Walters
The Anaheim Ducks took on the St. Louis Blues for the last time of the season. David Backes got back in the game with it possibly being his last game played in St. Louis where he started his career.
Cam Fowler and Jamie Drysdale came back in. Fowler had been knocked out of the previous game, but deemed himself good to go. Anthony Stolarz got the start in net against Jordan Binnington.
Game Recap
Dallas Eakins had Backes take the opening draw and won he it. The Ducks got an early power play, but could not convert.
Max Comtois and Niko Mikkola dropped the gloves about halfway through the first period.
The Ducks went shorthanded and the Blues would convert. Mike Hoffman would rip one past Stolarz for the early 1-0 lead in the first period.
Nicolas Deslauriers had a good scoring chance early in the second period, but Binnington made a leg pad save.Β The Ducks would eventually tie the game up as Max Jones redirected a shot behind Binnington.
In the third period, AnaheimΒ would take the lead as Troy Terry would find a streaking Haydn Fleury for the goal.
The Blues would answer as Bardashev would find Kyle Clifford alone in the slot and he would beat Stolarz. The game would remain tied 2-2 and head to overtime.
Overtime
In the extra session, the teams battled and both had chances to win the game. Max Jones had Anaheim’s best opportunity to win the game from the slot, but Binnington made a big save. The teams would have to go to a shootout to settle this one.
Troy Terry would beat Binnington with a nice move and would score the only goal in the shootout to give Anaheim the win.
Analysis
This was an evenly matched game. St. Louis would get the early lead, but then Anaheim would respond and pull ahead by one. The Blues were able to tie the game up and force bonus hockey. Stolarz came up big making some saves in OT and stoping all three shot attempts in the shootout.
It was a special night for David Backes, who likely played his final game in St. Louis. He started his career there and played 10 seasons with the Blues. At the end of the game, the Blue players congratulated him on his career.
Team Notes/Stats:
Haydn Fleury got his second goal as an Anaheim Duck.
What’s Next?
The Ducks will take on the Minnesota Wild on Friday at 5 PM PT.
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May 5th, 2021
DucksNPucks 