Photo: USA Today
By Michael Walters
The Anaheim Ducks closed out their road trip against the Calgary Flames. John Gibson was in against Jacob Markstrom.
Recap
There was no scoring in the opening period. The Flames carried the play with 13 shots on goal to just five for the Ducks. The Flames had one power play opportunity, but could not convert.
The Flames scored first in the second period on another power play opportunity. Elias Lindholm took a point shot and Mikael Backlund was in front of the net to redirect the puck past Gibson.
The Ducks then answered about a minute later in the period. Frank Vatrano took a wrist shot and Max Comtois deflected the shot into the net while setting a screen in the slot.
Anaheim then took the lead on a goal by Brett Leason. Comtois took a shot at the side of the net and the rebound came out toward the far post. Leason won a battle in front of the net and got to the loose puck sending it home for the score.
The Ducks had a 2-1 lead to start the third period. Calgary applied all kinds of pressure in the final frame. The Flames put up 29 shots attempts, which resulted in 15 shots on goal. Gibson stopped everything that came his way. In the final minutes of the game, Calgary pulled their goalie and Derek Grant got an empty net goal to seal the win for Anaheim. The Ducks went on to win 3-1.
Analysis:
The Ducks earned the victory, but it was largely in part due to Gibson. Calgary put up 59 shot attempts, which resulted in 37 shots on goal. The Ducks had 31 shot attempts and just 18 shots on goal. This was one of the most lopsided games in terms of puck possession during 5-on-5 play for Anaheim. The Ducks had a CF% of 34.44% and a FF% of 35.48%, while the Flames were 65.56 for CF% and 64.52 for FF%.
The Ducks played a more even game in the second period and were able to get two timely goals, which was all they needed to win this game. Another key to this game was block shots, the Ducks blocked 22 Flames shots and did do a good job of taking away the shooting lanes for Calgary.
Gibson stole the show and game stopping 36 of 37 shots on goal by Calgary. Another bright spot for the Ducks was the play of Comtois. He scored the first goal for Anaheim and assisted on the second one. He was constantly going to the net, had three shots on goal, and an on ice rating of +2. He was the difference offensively for the Ducks in this contest.
Team News/Stats:
The Ducks went 1-1-1 on the road trip.
Gibson set the record for the most saves in Anaheim franchise history with 11,837 passing Guy Hebert.
What’s Next?
The Ducks host the Nashville Predators Sunday at 6:30 PM PT.
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March 10th, 2023
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