The Anaheim Ducks got back in the win column on Tuesday, taking down the Nashville Predators 5-2. The win came after the Ducks opened their five-game road trip with an overtime loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday.
Chris Kreider was unavailable for Anaheim, so the Ducks ended up shuffling around lines. Ross Johnston and Nikita Nesterenko both checked back into action as well, while Ian Moore came out of the lineup.
The Ducks opened the scoring for the first time this season, as Ross Johnston’s shot ramped in off the stick of Brady Skjei, midway through the first period. However, the Predators managed to tie the game back up under six minutes later, when Tyson Jost deflected a perfect set-up from Spencer Stastney.
Anaheim pulled back ahead in the second period, when Leo Carlsson buried a rebound off a shot from Jacob Trouba. Nashville responded only about two minutes later though, when Filip Forsberg tipped in a shot from Roman Josi.
However, the Ducks continued to press later in the frame, and Cutter Gauthier was able to reinstate the lead with a great shot on a 2-on-1. Then under two minutes after that, Beckett Sennecke buried a great pass from Mason McTavish, putting Anaheim ahead 4-2 after 40 minutes.
The Ducks did a great job limiting chances for the Predators in the third period, giving up only two shots. Then with about eight minutes to go, Troy Terry put the game away, burying a pass from Ryan Poehling to give the Ducks a 5-2 win.
Ducks finally play with a lead
With the goal from Ross Johnston, it marked the first time in the Ducks’ six games where they managed to strike first.
Of course, the Predators did tie the game rather quickly on two different occasions. However, once the Ducks were able to build the multi-goal lead late in the second frame, they did a great job protecting it. It was really the first time we saw the Ducks play with a lead for an extended period, and to stay out of the box and completely shut down Nashville’s offense in the third period was a big positive.
Ducks find their offense again – and Ross Johnston plays a role
As has been stated in previous recaps, Anaheim’s offense has looked much better this season. They’ve managed 32 shots or more in four of their six games, which is a big step after averaging less than 28 shots per game last season.
However, heading into the game against Nashville, the Ducks had been limited to one goal in three of their five games. As a result, it was important to see the team not only create their opportunities, but also capitalize. Of course, it would’ve been nice to see the Ducks score on one of their five power plays, but there’s been enough success in their other wins that there’s no reason for concern.
The Ducks’ success or failure is really going to rely on their top young forwards. So seeing all of Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, Cutter Gauthier, and Beckett Sennecke producing is a big win.
However, one of the least expected names to contribute was Ross Johnston. The winger opened the scoring, and managed three points in the win. On the goals in which he registered an assist, he was the one to force a turnover in the offensive zone. With a third period fight, Johnston also managed to complete the Gordie Howe Hat Trick.
Once both Chris Kreider and Ryan Strome are available, Johnston’s spot in the lineup is shaky. But he made a good case for himself last night.
Another steady game from Lukas Dostal
In his first season as an outright starter, Lukas Dostal has been exactly what the Ducks needed in net. He hasn’t really had a bad game, and it seems like over the last few games, a high number of the goals he’s given up have been off deflections or opportunities that he didn’t have much of a chance on.
Over his last two starts in particular, he managed to stop 54 of 58 shots. A lot of focus around the Ducks will go towards their young core of skaters, but Dostal deserves praise for a steady start as the team’s full-time starter.
Notes on the Ducks’ blue line
The Ducks’ defense hasn’t gotten much attention in recaps to this point, so for some scattered thoughts:
- It’s shocking that Olen Zellweger has only registered a single assist this season. The defender has been very engaged offensively, and has been active to join rushes. He’s probably generated the most high-danger chances of any Ducks’ defender, and we can expect the points will come.
- Jacob Trouba had a really strong performance in the win. He registered two assists with a plus-four rating, and it was his shot-block that led to the Gauthier goal.
- The Ducks opted to play Drew Helleson alongside LaCombe on Tuesday, pairing up Pavel Mintyukov and Radko Gudas in the process.
- After signing a huge contract extension, Jackson LaCombe’s start has only been okay. He’s been tasked with an even larger role, at 25 minutes per game, but has still had a couple tough turnovers and hasn’t necessarily generated a ton of offense. It’s very early, but it would be great to see LaCombe take another step.
- It’ll be interesting to see what the Ducks’ plan is with Ian Moore. So far, the 23-year-old only suited up in the loss to Chicago, where he played less than 14 minutes. He’s exempt from waivers, and keeping him in the press box for extended periods may not necessarily be best for his development. It could be a better move to have Moore spend some time getting into game action in the AHL, but the Ducks also don’t have a clear alternative for a seventh defenseman.
The Ducks are back in action on Thursday, when they continue their road trip against the Boston Bruins.
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