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In a game where both teams were in desperate need of a win, the Anaheim Ducks brought forth more firepower and came away with a 6-2 victory against the Montreal Canadiens.

The Ducks and the Habs have both been off to less than desirable starts to the 2017-18 season and it was clear that each team was hungry to turn things around. The game had the feel of a contest between two division rivals, not two organizations that only face off against each other twice a year.

Although both teams brought with them the motivation and aggression of teams starving for a win, the Ducks had the advantage where it matters, the scoreboard. Anaheim wasted no time lighting up the uncharacteristically struggling Carey Price, scoring three goals in the first period. The first of those goals was recorded by Dennis Rasmussen just under two minutes into the game. Derek Grant and Antoine Vermette added goals of their own, making the score 3-0 in the Ducks favor heading into the first intermission.

Unfortunately, there was "dark cloud" moment for Anaheim in an otherwise wonderful opening period. Cam Fowler suffered a lower-body injury early on in the period. In a season already full of injuries to key players, the Ducks cannot afford to lose one of their best, if not their best, blueliners for an extended period of time.

When the second period rolled around, the Canadiens started to show some promise. They scored two unanswered goals, by Paul Byron and Brendan Gallagher, to cut the deficit to just one. Unfortunately for the Habs, that is all of the scoring they were able to muster up.

Anaheim, on the other hand, were not satisfied with a one-goal victory and tallied three more in the third and final period. Brandon Montour, Derek Grant, and Chris Wagner all added goals to their personal stat sheets, giving the Ducks a 6-2 victory.

This was a game with no shortage of shots on goal by either side. When it was all said and done, Anaheim had 45 shots which fell six short of Montreal's 51. Anytime you face 51 shots and only allow two goals, you deserve some recognition. So, I tip my cap to you, John Gibson.

The will now get another three nights off, as if they need it, and then head to Philadelphia to take on the Flyers Tuesday night.

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