After concluding a five-game away stretch, the Anaheim Ducks returned home to the Honda Center on Sunday to face the Vegas Golden Knights in a Pacific Division contest, just before the Olympic break. The Ducks aimed to bounce back from consecutive defeats to Vancouver and Edmonton, which had pushed them out of playoff contention.
This game marked the 55th of the season, with a preview highlighting the previous 2-0 loss to Vancouver. Vegas, coming into the match, was on a four-game winless streak, with only one victory in their last seven outings, and was vying for the top position in the Pacific Division. The Ducks welcomed back two key forwards—Troy Terry, who had missed 11 games with an upper-body injury, and Mason McTavish, returning after five games missed. However, Leo Karlsson remained out due to a thigh injury, and Ryan Strome, Sam Colangelo, and Drew Helleson were scratched from the lineup.
Lineup adjustments included Killorn Granlund Senecke, Crider Pauling Terry, Viel McTavish Harkins, Johnston Wash Harkins, Lacombe Trouba, Minchukoff Moore, Zellweger Gudas. Ducks goalie Lucas Dostal registered a shutout, stopping 28 of 31 shots, while Vegas’s Adin Hill made 19 saves on 22 shots. After the game, Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville praised the team’s effort, highlighting Dostal’s solid performance and the team’s early momentum.
The Ducks established a strong pace early on, controlling possession and creating scoring chances through quick transitions. Though Vegas mounted a significant comeback in the second and third periods, Anaheim’s lead held, thanks to stingy defense and Dostal’s performances. Despite the second-half push from Vegas, Anaheim secured a crucial two points, though this approach might not be sustainable in the long run.
Defensively, the Ducks demonstrated disciplined zone coverage, especially with the return of Terry and McTavish, maintaining pressure without overcommitting. They managed to prevent many dangerous plays by adjusting their positioning and supporting each other well. On the penalty kill, the Ducks effectively shut down backdoor and cross-crease passes attempted by Vegas, particularly on the weak side, with strong coverage from the forwards.
During Leo Karlsson’s absence, Ryan Poehling took on a more offensive-centered role, especially against tough opponents like Terry and Kreider. Poehling gained confidence in his puck-handling and cycling, giving the Ducks a rare offensive upside from a bottom-six center. Troy Terry praised Chris Kreider for his relentless presence in front of the net—scoring two goals and creating scoring chances by occupying Hill’s vision and support during rushes. Kreider’s ability to communicate and position himself effectively has made him a critical asset for Anaheim.
The Ducks are set to play their final game before the Olympic break on Tuesday, hosting the Seattle Kraken in what promises to be another crucial Pacific Division matchup.
Rumor mill: The Ducks appear to have no interest in Artemi Panarin and aren’t considering an extension with him at this time. Additionally, Ian Moore continues to serve as a versatile asset for the team. The Ducks also reflect on lessons from their heavy 7-4 loss to Edmonton, aiming to improve their resilience and strategic execution moving forward.
Fan Take: This game underscores the importance of solid defense and timely goaltending in a team’s success, giving fans hope that the Ducks can stay competitive despite recent struggles. It also highlights how key players stepping up can inspire momentum, making every game before the break a critical stepping stone for playoff ambitions.
