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The Anaheim Ducks ended their four-game homestand with an overtime win yesterday, defeating the Detroit Red Wings 3-2.
Sam Carrick suited up for this first game of the season after being injured to start the year and Max Jones returned to the lineup, while Max Comtois was scratched and Glenn Gawdin was sent back to the AHL. Colton White and Austin Strand also remained in the lineup, with Kevin Shattenkirk placed on injured reserve and Nathan Beaulieu scratched.
The Ducks found themselves down early, as Filip Hronek’s point shot on a power play hit Colton White in the head and dropped down right to Jonathan Berggren, who was there to score his first NHL goal. However, Anaheim put together a decent frame afterwards and with only a couple minutes remaining, the Ducks evened the game on a power play, with Mason McTavish burying a rebound off a one-timer from Adam Henrique.
We saw another fairly even period in the second frame, without many quality scoring chances. But with under a minute to go in the frame, Michael Rasmussen was able to protect the puck and come out front from behind the net, then spun and beat a screened John Gibson, giving the Red Wings the lead through 40 minutes.
Anaheim put together a good third period and had their chances, notably a 5-on-3 midway through the period. Just as it looked like the Ducks wouldn’t be able to tie it though, John Klingberg put a shot through traffic with under a minute to go and it got past Ville Husso, tying the game and sending it to overtime.
Pretty much the entire first few minutes of the extra frame were spent in Anaheim’s end, but Gibson made a few key saves. Then when Detroit had possession in their own end, Tyler Bertuzzi committed a terrible giveaway and Ryan Strome capitalized, sending the puck over to Trevor Zegras before getting it back and tapping it into the open net for the game winner.
This was all-around a pretty alright outing for the Ducks – they kept up the entire night and it was just a really even game. Anaheim put together a strong third period and they were able to battle back to get the win.
John Gibson had a really good game as well, stopping 31 shots in the win. While he hasn’t been overly consistent throughout the year, he’s certainly been good at times.
It was also a decent defensive effort, which the Ducks have lacked through most games this season.
Simon Benoit is getting a larger role with the injuries on the blue line, which is good to see. While I don't think he's going to be suited for a top-four role, he adds a major physical presence and is solid defensively. At just 24 years old, he's someone who could be a long-term fit.
Drew Helleson was also called up with the injuries, so we'll see if he gets into action soon.
The Ducks will be back in action tomorrow, when they face the Winnipeg Jets.
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