The Anaheim Ducks faced off against the Toronto Maple Leafs as they continued their road trip. Lukas Dostal took the net for Anaheim, opposing Joseph Woll for Toronto. The Ducks had to adjust their lineup with Ross Johnston sidelined due to an injury from the previous game.
The game kicked off with fireworks as Jeffrey Viel and Pezzetta dropped the gloves right after the puck dropped. The Maple Leafs struck first, with Matias Maccelli finding the net on a wrist shot that seemed to take a deflection.
Anaheim quickly responded, lighting the lamp twice in succession. Cutter Gauthier capitalized on a power play opportunity, scoring just as the penalty expired. Not long after, Ian Moore found the back of the net from the slot, giving the Ducks a 2-1 lead.
The Leafs ended the first period on a power play, trailing by a goal. However, the Ducks successfully killed the penalty, and Pavel Mintyukov extended their lead to 3-1 with a one-timer from the left circle.
Auston Matthews brought the Leafs back within one, scoring on a power play midway through the second period. The game took a heated turn when Radko Gudas was penalized for kneeing Matthews, earning a five-minute major and a game misconduct. Toronto capitalized, with John Tavares scoring on the ensuing power play, tying the game at three as the second period concluded.
William Nylander wasted no time in the third, scoring in the opening seconds to put Toronto ahead 4-3. The Ducks had a chance to respond on the power play, but it was Benoit-Olivier Groulx who scored shorthanded, leveling the score once again.
In the final minutes, Anaheim pulled Dostal for an extra attacker, but Matthew Knies took advantage, scoring into the empty net. Alex Killorn managed to sneak one past Woll in the final minute, but it wasn't enough as the Ducks fell 6-4.
Analysis:
The Ducks found themselves in a familiar position, conceding the first goal. Yet, they showed resilience by netting the next three, taking control early in the second period.
But the tide turned with Gudas' costly penalty, shifting momentum to Toronto. The Leafs capitalized, scoring twice on the power play, and took the lead early in the third.
Anaheim's special teams struggled, giving up three power play goals in seven attempts and failing to convert on their own opportunities. They also allowed a shorthanded goal, highlighting a need for improvement in this area.
The game was a tale of two halves for Anaheim. In the first half, they played disciplined, solid hockey.
In the second, penalties and a lapse in focus cost them dearly. Moving forward, the Ducks will need to regroup and address their special teams' woes.
Team Notes:
Ian Moore filled in on the fourth line with Johnston out, while Drew Helleson stepped into the defensive lineup. John Carlson is nearing a return and could be back for the weekend games.
What’s Next?
The Ducks head to Ottawa to face the Senators on Saturday at 10 AM.