It's very rare that the phrase "must win" is thrown out there in mid-January. For the Anaheim Ducks every game from here on out is practically a must win and they were saying it before their showdown with the defending Cup champs on Wednesday night.

Once the puck dropped - they let their play speak for them.

Anaheim needs points and they have a chance to rack some up quickly with a five-game homestand on the schedule. There's a catch - there always is - all five teams currently hold a playoff spot. Sooooo... they must win now , they must win against very good teams starting with the Penguins - winners of four straight and they must do with no margin for error.

"We must hold serve. We know the points available to us, especially those in our own building, are must wins."

The #NHLDucks know the time is now to take advantage of home ice. 🎥⬇ pic.twitter.com/yEOooyC5w3

— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) January 17, 2018

So far, so good. The good Ducks showed up again, exploding with four second period goals to put the game out of reach. It was the best offensive period of the season and they weren't your garden variety goals. They were exciting, highlight reel, electrifying goals. Dare I say, season changing goals?

Ondrej Kase scored on a beautiful, back-hand breakaway and added an assist in the 5-3 victory if front of Penguins' friendly Honda Center crowd.

Rickard Rakel and Chris Wagner also scored for Anaheim. Hampus Lindholm added an empty-net goal as time expired.

Pennsylvania native, John Gibson made 30 saves in defeating Pittsburgh for the second time this season. The Ducks improved to 21-16-9 with two divisional foes up next on the slate.

It was the type of effort the Ducks have to put forth from now on. Their forecheck was the difference and they were extra hungry around the net. Adam Henrique's goal was an example of a hungry player feasting on inspired play. Even falling behind early didn’t seem matter, the Ducks were going to find a way to win this game. Last night we saw the perennial playoff bound Ducks.

We are all friends here. So let's be frank... I love the Ducks attitude right now, but it might be a bit too late. Every game is a playoff game from here on out. The Ducks have almost no margin for error - partly because of their struggles and partly because the teams around them are not slowing down.

Did you know 12 of the 15 teams in the Western Conference are above NHL .500? Did you further know that 23 of the leagues 31 teams are about NHL .500? There are no gimme's in this league and Anaheim knows it.

Now they need to string two in a row together. The Kings are up next and the Ducks have had some pretty good games against them this season. It will be a pretty emotional night. It always is when these teams meet, but the Andrew Cogliano situation adds another element to a very nasty and very entertaining rivalry.

Thanks for reading,
Steve

Join the Discussion: » 21 Comments » Post New Comment

» Avalanche Stay Active On The Trade Market

» Red Hot Avalanche Trade For An Old Friend

» The Colorado Avalanche Are Stanley Cup Champions!

» Avalanche On The Verge Of Hockey's Pinnacle

» Stanley Cup Final: Avalanche Take Thrilling Game One In OT