Pucks of a Feather
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Anaheim Ducks Can’t Achieve Equilibrium, Clawed by Panthers

By Julius Choi

Jan 21, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Hampus Lindholm (47) during a game between the Anaheim Ducks and Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Ducks 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Hampus Lindholm (47) during a game between the Anaheim Ducks and Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Wild defeated the Ducks 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Anaheim Ducks strike first but could not hold on as the Panthers outplayed them for a majority of the game.

They are now 12-15 in one goal games.

And I’m among certain that James Reimer read my article today, as he got the job done by making 22 saves, allowing just one goal.

The Ducks are similar to their next door neighbor, Los Angeles Angels, in that they can’t get over the .500 hump.

There are many areas this season where they measure under that mark.

But to stick to relevancy, they are now 4-6 in the first of a back-to-back.

97. 1. 105. Final. 2

The Hanging Cloud:

It’s not a secret that poor second period play has plagued the Anaheim Ducks for an extended amount of time.

I do not have the details in front of me but the goal differential in the middle frame was in the negatives in years past.

And tonight, that demon has returned but in a different form.

Anaheim were addicted to penalties like a child is to pixie sticks. They spent 13 minutes in the penalty box.

Fortunately, Anaheim’s penalty kill continued its dominance by killing all five shorthanded situations.

But things like this is what differentiates a loss from a win.

Huby Dooby Doo:

The Anaheim Ducks of course, had to lose in heart breaking fashion.

Jonathan Huberdeau scored the game winner at 15:02 of the second period for his first goal of the season.

https://twitter.com/FlaPanthers/status/827703514633736195

The dish came from Aleksander Barkov, the other returnee.

We now know how you feel, Toronto Maple Leafs fans.

Screaming Bloody Murder:

If missing out on two points wasn’t bad enough, Josh Manson may be subject to a fine or suspension.

As Reilly Smith gained entry to the offensive zone, Manson’s elbow made contact with the Florida forward’s head.

You be the judge. Here is the video:

If you’re a player not named Brad Marchand, you might want to stick to the textbook.

Additional Notes:

Anaheim were without defenseman Sami Vatanen for the final 20 minutes.

Next: Anaheim Folding Under Pressure

He left the game after being shaken up along the boards in the second.

Vatanen logged 11:06 of ice time, making a crucial play by preventing Jaromir Jagr’s shot from going in the gaping net to keep the game leveled early on.

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