Game Recap: Ducks Down Stars In Shootout

With the amount of offense in this game it’s amazing that this game was a 1-1 tie going into the shootout.  Both teams had incredible chances that were stopped by equally incredible goaltenders.

Mar 14, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Anaheim Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller (1) stops a shot by Dallas Stars left wing Loui Eriksson (21) during the second period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Stars would get on the board midway through the 1st period as Ray Whitney would roof the puck top shelf over Jonas Hiller‘s shoulder.  That goal would hold until a third of the way into the 2nd period when Andrew Cogliano would pick up his own rebound in front of Dallas goalie Kari Lehtonen, shifting it past his leg and into the net.

Despite both teams getting numerous powerplay opportunities, (6 for Dallas, 4 for Anaheim), neither team would convert and the game would move into overtime.  Yet again neither team was able to convert and both team would pick up a point, with a shootout to determine who would pick up the 2nd.

Anaheim would shoot first and Bobby Ryan looked Patrick Kane-esque as he moved to the backhand and lifted the puck up, rolling it over Lehtonen’s shoulder.  Loui Erikson would miss his attempt on Jonas Hiller and Teemu Selanne would not convert on his shootout opportunity.  Ryan Getzlaf was then given the chance to convert and would pull a great lateral move in front of the net, forcing Lehtonen to attempt to keep up with his quick hands, and would then tap it home safely into the net.

Shootout Attempts

This marks the 5th win in a row for Anaheim who, (with the additional 2 points), move to 13 points ahead of the Los Angeles Kings in the Pacific Division.  The Ducks remain at 2nd in the NHL and in the Conference, 4 points behind Chicago, (who also won in a shootout tonight), but really, what matters is that the Ducks are 13 points ahead of the Kings, (could anything make a Ducks’ fan happier?).

Kudos to Jonas Hiller who has returned to form and has carried the Ducks in the last two games.  Let’s hope he can continue to play at such a level until the team is fully healthy and Corey Perry has returned from suspension.  The Ducks aren’t the same team without Bonino, Fasth, and especially Perry.  Lines were obviously struggling to adjust tonight but hopefully the Ducks will be able to sort things out before their next game on Saturday in St. Louis where Ducks fans everywhere can hope for both another win, and the return of Bonino and Fasth, (sadly we still have 3 games to go on Perry).

13 points ahead of the Kings!