Viktor Fasth Shines As Anaheim Ducks Down Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 (SO)

Fasth Stops Two Of Three Shots In Shootout To Ensure Win

Feb 12, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry (10) scores a goal against Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) during the shootout at the United Center. The Ducks beat the Blackhawks 3-2 in the shootout. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago – Viktor Fasth continued to push for the #1 goalie spot tonight in a strong effort against the league leading Chicago Blackhawks. The NHL rookie has proven to be a diamond in the rough since making his first start against the Minnesota Wild.

First Period

The opening frame started out slow for both sides. At the 4:22 mark, the Ducks made a mental mistake and got caught with a too many men penalty. Anaheim killed off the penalty and then went on the man advantage when Michal Rozsival hooked Andrew Cogliano at the 13:00 mark. Chicago’s penalty kill remained strong in the first.

Second Period

Feb 12, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Andrew Cogliano (7) reacts to scoring a goal against against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period at the United Center. The Ducks beat the Blackhawks 3-2 in the shootout. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

The middle frame was a back and forth affair that saw a majority of the scoring. Ryan Getzlaf notched his fourth of the year at the 3:33 mark on a wrister, that was deflected by Brent Seabrook, while the Ducks were on the man advantage. The Blackhawks responded with a power play goal of their own when Brad Staubitz instigated a fight with Bryan Bickell who had just hit Getzlaf. Nick Leddy picked up the first goal by the Blakchawks on a slapshot that just got past Fasth. Brandon Saad scored a very controversial goal less than a minute later. Saad leapt as he fired the puck. Fasth attempted the save, but it rolled down his back and across the line right as the net was coming off of its moorings.

Third Period/Overtime

In the closing frames, the Ducks did their best to get the equalizer and preserve Fasth’s perfect start record. The gamble paid off well as the Ducks got the equalizer as Cogliano tipped-in his second of the year with just under three minutes left in regulation. Toni Lydman took the last to penalties assessed in the contest. In the shootout, Corey Perry got his revenge on Corey Crawford by netting the game winner.

Game Statistics:

Shootout Attempts

SOG:

SCORING BY PERIOD:

Power Play Efficiency

Other Statistics:

Three Stars:

The Ducks will take the ice again in Detroit at 4:30 p.m. PST.