The Anaheim Ducks picked up a win in their home opener on Tuesday, defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3.
The Ducks lineup didn’t see any personnel changes to their skaters, but the team did make tweaks to their lines. Alex Killorn was moved to play alongside Leo Carlsson and Chris Kreider, while Troy Terry slotted in alongside Mikael Granlund and Frank Vatrano. Meanwhile, Lukas Dostal was back in net, for his second start of the season.
Ducks trail early
The Ducks found themselves down early yet again, when Justin Brazeau tipped in a point shot only about a minute into the game. Then only about six minutes later, Rickard Rakell scored with a tip of his own, quickly putting Anaheim in a two-goal hole.
However, the Ducks managed to respond shortly after on a power play. Leo Carlsson found Chris Kreider with a nice backdoor pass for a tap-in, cutting the lead in half. Then in the final minute of the period, Pavel Mintyukov put a great pass to the slot, where Cutter Gauthier teed up a one-timer to beat Tristan Jarry, tying the game through 20 minutes.
The Ducks finally managed to take their first lead of the season midway through the second period, as Drew Helleson put a shot through traffic to beat Jarry. However, the Penguins evened the game again late in the frame, as Anthony Mantha’s shot ramped in off the stick of Jacob Trouba, leaving the game tied going into the third period.
The final frame was a bit slower, with the teams combining for just nine shots. But with the Ducks on a late power play, Troy Terry put a pass to Chris Kreider in the slot, who beat Jarry again to put the Ducks ahead 4-3. Anaheim held on from there, picking up their second win of the season.
Ducks overcome slow start and another two-goal deficit
The first period marked the Ducks’ worst start across their first three games. They fell behind early once again, giving up a goal within the first six minutes for the seventh consecutive period.
Even aside from giving up an early two-goal lead though, the Ducks were also outshot by a huge 15-6 margin. Lukas Dostal was tested early and often, and had to be sharp to avoid giving up a third, or even fourth goal in the first period.
It marked the weakest start of the season, after outshooting Seattle and San Jose by a combined 31-12 margin over their first periods across the first two games of the year. However, similar to the win in San Jose, the Ducks managed to overcome the multi-goal deficit.
Power play is clicking
One of the more promising parts of the Ducks’ start to the season has been their power play. The Ducks have gone 4-for-10 on the man advantage over their last two games.
The Ducks’ power play was a huge issue last season. The team ranked dead last in the NHL on the man advantage, operating at under 12 percent. Even a league-average power play would make a big difference, so back-to-back games with two power play goals early on has been good to see.
Ducks’ offense looks more dangerous
It’s very early, but the Ducks’ offense is looking quite a bit more capable than last season. So far, the Ducks have seven different forwards who have all registered at least three points over the first three games.
Amongst the group, the team has been getting contributions from their young talent. All of Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Mason McTavish, and Beckett Sennecke have been able to add offense. For a team who’s really relying on internal improvement to take a step this season, it’s a good sign early on.
Chris Kreider proving to be a great addition
While the Ducks will count on their young stars to take a step, the external additions are also making an impact. Notably, Chris Kreider is off to a hot start, following a disappointing 2024-25 season.
Kreider has been exactly what the Ducks needed, as someone who’s able to finish around the net. He’s been a big boost on the power play, and leads the team with four goals in three games. Mikael Granlund has looked good as well, but Kreider has had a particularly great start.
The Ducks are back in action on Thursday, when they host the Carolina Hurricanes.
