Anaheim Ducks Hold On To Extend Lead, Streak Over San Jose Sharks 5-3

Mar 18, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Emerson Etem (65) scores a goal on San Jose Sharks goalie Antti Niemi (31) during the second period at the Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Anaheim, CA – Somewhat over shadowed by the news of the Corey Perry signing, this game was just as exciting. A bitter rivalry, between two teams that hate each other. One of them on cloud nine, the other a bit down in the dumps. The Anaheim Ducks dominated the San Jose Sharks in the second and that helped lead the way to a 5-3 victory for Anaheim.

First Period:

The Ducks had a decent opening frame. Tempers flared up at the 2:20 mark when Andrew Desjardins and Sheldon Souray dropped gloves. The fight didn’t kick-start anything for either team, however. Francois Beauchemin put Anaheim up at the 14:06 mark with a slap shot from 31 feet away. The Ducks failed to hold the lead into the first intermission as Jason Demers netted his first of the year with 54 seconds remaining in the period.

Second Period:

The middle frame saw more action than the first. Niemi was in danger of being pulled for the second straight game by giving up two goals to Peter Holland and Emerson Etem within 40 seconds of each other in the 12th minute of the frame. Getzlaf netted his 11th of the season at the 13:55 mark to extend the lead to 4-1, the Ducks again let up a late goal to Patrick Marleau with 29 ticks left.

Third Period:

The third period was all about holding off the Sharks attack for the Ducks. The Sharks certainly were swarming, tallying a total of 16 shots in the period. They netted an early goal from Matt Irwin as he took a slap shot from the point and then deflected off of Getzlaf’s skate by Viktor Fasth. The Ducks would hold off the Sharks until Francois Beauchemin scored an empty netter with less than a minute left. 12th straight victory at home!

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Three Stars:

The Ducks continue their home stand Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. PST against the league leading Chicago Blackhawks.