Photo: AP / Alex Gallardo
By Michael Walters
The Anaheim Ducks closed out their homestand against the Detroit Red Wings. Lukas Dostal got the start in net against Alex Lyon. Alex Stalock backed up Dostal as John Gibson was out due to illness. Troy Terry returned to action, but Max Jones was out.
Recap
Trevor Zegras scored in the opening seconds of the game to give the Ducks an early 1-0 lead. Troy Terry took a point shot just inside the blue line and Zegras redirected it past Lyon.
The Ducks would take a pair of penalties in the middle of the period and Detroit would score on the second man advantage. Dylan Larkin would beat Dostal in the slot area to tie the game up.
The game remained tied at the end of the first period. Radko Gudas was called for interference as the period ended, so the Ducks would be shorthanded to start the second period.
The Ducks were able to kill off the penalty, but Joe Veleno would be awarded a goal shortly after the power play expired. He made a wraparound attempt that Dostal appeared to have stopped originally. The play was reviewed and a while it was deemed a good goal. Detroit held a 2-1 lead.
Anaheim had their chances to tie the game, including three power plays in the middle frame, but they couldn’t cash on any of them. Detroit was called for a fourth penalty late in the period and it carried over to the start of the third period.
The Ducks didn’t score on the power play left over from the second period, but Trevor Zegras did tie up the game a few minutes later. Cam Fowler would find Zegras and the side of the net and he roofed the puck over Lyon to tie the game.
Anaheim had two power play chances in third period, but again couldn’t cash in. With just over a minute to go Michael Rasmussen would score with the puck going off his skate and past Dostal. The play was reviewed briefly and the goal was upheld. The Ducks pulled Dostal for the extra attacker, but could not tie the game. Anaheim lost 3-2.
Analysis:
The Ducks have had better starts to games lately, but then have seemed to fade away as the game progresses. The special teams play was a huge factor in this contest. The Ducks could not score on four power plays, including a 5-on-3 for 85 seconds. The Red Wings were able to score on one of their five chances.
It seemed like the Ducks were going to get at least a point in his contest, but not one, but two controversial goal calls went against them. The first was the Veleno goal in the second period. The play was initially called as a save and then was reviewed for several minutes. In the review from the right face-off circle the puck hits Dostal’s left leg pad and disappears behind the post. When the puck appears again it’s partially touching the red goal line. It appears like the puck crossed the line, but there is no definitive angle according to Brian Hayward. He stated in the post game show that Toronto used the same front angle replayed on the television.
To add insult to injury, Detroit’s game winner goal came off the skate of Rasmussen. The play was reviewed and the debate seemed to be whether the puck was kicked in or redirected in. The officials did not think there a distinct kicking motion and awarded the goal. It ended up being the game winning goal, which left a sour taste in Ducks fans mouths last night. Maybe someday the NHL will revisit the rule and revise it.
Team Notes/Stats:
The Ducks finished the homestand 1-6-1.
Zegras had his first multi-goal game of the season.
Fowler’s assist tied him with Steve Rucchin for fifth-most points in Duck history (432).
Radko Gudas took blocked a shot in the final minutes of the game and did not return.
Max Jones (upper body injury) was placed on the IR.
Jackson LaCombe was sent down to San Diego, as Stalock had to be called up with Gibson out.
What’s Next?
The Ducks travel to Nashville to play the Predators on Tuesday at 5PM.
Support us by becoming a DucksNPucks patron! Members can win game tickets, Ducks gear, and more!
Want to start your sports media career? Then Join The Puck Network!
DucksNPucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team. What are you waiting for? Start your sports media career TODAY!
January 8th, 2024
DucksNPucks 