The Anaheim Ducks defeated the New Jersey Devils 3-2 in an Afternoon affair at the Prudential Center. It's the first time the Ducks won back-to-back games in more than a month.

Daniel Sprong, Troy Terry and Derek Grant each scored for the Ducks. John Gibson made 29 saves in the win.

All three Anaheim goal scorers were either recently acquired or called up from the minors in what I'm calling "the great roster shake-up of 2019." Terry's goal was the first of his NHL career and Grant scored his first goal as Duck since April 6th vs. Dallas.

It wasn't a great game by the Ducks, but thanks to Gibson they skated away with two crucial points. Gibby was especially good in the second period when he stopped all 14 New Jersey shots. Anaheim was out shot 14-3 in that period.

Gibson, the Ducks' clear MVP, leads all NHL netminders in shots and faced another 30 today. Anaheim has allowed more than 30 shots in all but 12 games this season, including 40 or more 10 times. I thought the defense was supposed to be the strength of this club?

With the win, Anaheim improved to 21-19-9 and moved into the top Wild card spot in the Western Conference with 51 points. They lead Dallas and Vancouver by one stinking point.

The Ducks won't have long to wait to pad that point total; they visit the Islanders tomorrow. They will have one more game vs. the Blues prior to the All-Star Game and the NHL mandated week off. A four-game win streak heading into that rest period sure would be nice.

Quick roster notes:

- Ondrej Kase went on IR before the game.

- Justin Kloos, acquired in the Pontus Aberg trade, made his Ducks' debut.

- Sam Carrick was recalled from the Gulls. He didn't suit up for the game.

Thanks for reading,
Steve

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