The Anaheim Ducks took a quick trip to Utah for a matchup against the Mammoth, with Lukas Dostal guarding the net opposite Vitek Vanecek. Mason McTavish made his return to the lineup after sitting out the last two games.
The Mammoth wasted no time, striking first with a goal in the opening minutes. Dylan Guenther found the back of the net with a one-timer from the left face-off circle, beating Dostal over the shoulder.
Anaheim quickly responded with a shorthanded goal by Ryan Poehling. He snagged the puck at the Ducks' blue line, raced down the left side, and slipped it past Vanecek stick side on a partial breakaway, leveling the score at one by the end of the first period.
The second period saw some fireworks when Jeffrey Viel and Jack McBain engaged in a spirited fight. Shortly after, Alex Killorn put Anaheim ahead 2-1 just before the halfway mark.
He capitalized on a loose puck in the slot, slotting it past Vanecek, who was still recovering from a previous save. The Ducks held a 2-1 lead going into the final period.
Utah turned up the heat in the third, but couldn't find the net. With their goalie pulled in the final minutes, the Ducks sealed the deal with empty-netters from Cutter Gauthier and Mikael Granlund, finalizing a 4-1 victory.
In-Depth Analysis:
The Ducks didn't have the best start, conceding a goal early and failing to register a shot until nearly halfway through the first period. Poehling's shorthanded effort was the jolt Anaheim needed, as they were outshot 14-5 in the opening frame.
Anaheim regrouped in the second period, tightening their defense and allowing just 16 shots over the last two periods. Despite Utah's dominance in puck possession, with a CF% of 60.42% and FF% of 58.06%, Anaheim's improved play was crucial.
The Ducks' power play woes continued, going 0-for-5, while Utah also struggled, going 0-for-3. Poehling's shorthanded goal was pivotal, turning the tide for Anaheim.
Alex Killorn was a standout, notching the game-winner and assisting on two other goals. He was everywhere, logging nearly 17 minutes of ice time, taking four shots, and delivering a hit.
Mason McTavish, back in action, played a role in the setup for Killorn’s goal, though he didn’t hit the scoresheet. He logged just over 10 minutes in a relatively quiet return.
Jacob Trouba made a game-saving defensive play late in the third, blocking a sure goal from Clayton Keller that could have tied the game. This crucial stop helped Anaheim maintain their lead and secure the win with two empty-net goals.
Team Highlights:
- Anaheim remains perfect at 22-0-0 when leading after two periods.
- Cutter Gauthier leads the team with 36 goals this season.
- The Ducks are tied for fourth in the league with eight shorthanded goals.
- Anaheim has reached 80 points, matching last season's total.
- The Ducks extended their lead over the Oilers to three points atop the Pacific Division.
Looking Ahead:
The Ducks will host the Buffalo Sabres this Sunday at 5 PM.