When Adam Henrique undressed former Ducks Sami Vatanen for a highlight reel goal and a 3-1 Anaheim lead in New Jersey, it felt like the game was Anaheim's to lose. Yep, the Ducks to lose and sure enough - they delivered.
Henrique's homecoming was shaping up to be a story book return. A game he and his new teammates wouldn't soon forget. That would ultimately be the case, but for all the wrong reasons. For a third consecutive game on this road trip, the Ducks jumped out to a two-goal lead and for the second straight game - they blew it... big time.
The Ducks had not one, but two, two-goal leads before giving it all back. New Jersey scored four consecutive goals, including two from former Ducks Stefan Noesen for a 5-3 win in front of the hometown fans.
As expected, it was an emotional return with the Devils and their fans honoring the former favorite with a loud ovation and video tribute. In return, the 27-year-old left a lasting impression in a Ducks sweater with an insane goal as the expense of the guy he was traded for.
I had a feeling Henrique would have a big night. Rico was energized and electric. He used his knowledge of the Prudential Center boards to set up a goal. All told, Henrique ended the night with a goal and an assist and it simply wasn't enough.
One more look at that insane @adamhenrique goal! #LetsGoDucks pic.twitter.com/QM8zJDxp88
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) December 19, 2017
Quick thoughts...
- The Henrique story line is nice, but the real story here is the Ducks inability to at least earn a point. They led by two goals with a little over eight minutes left in the second period. Losing a two-goal lead on the road like that is almost inexcusable. Defense and goaltending were supposed to be one of Anaheim's strengths. It's not panning out that way. Ryan Miller was not sharp and it gave NJ life and put the Ducks on life support.
- The Ducks have allowed at least three goals in six on the nine games played in December. It's amazing that they've secured points in seven of them.
- This one stings. It was a game the Ducks had to win. If they had, they would have pulled even with the San Jose Sharks for third in the Pacific. SJ lost to Edmonton, opening the door for Anaheim to catch them.
- Anaheim won't have much time to lick their wounds. They head to the Big Apple to play the Rangers. Good news is... Henrique is a Ranger killer. Bad news is... New York is 13-5-2 at home, have a two game win streak and are 5-2-1 in December.
- Would have been nice to have this one. With road games left against both NY teams and the Pittsburgh Penguins, tonight could have been the first game of an extended east coast losing streak.
Thanks for reading, Steve