Late Ducks Surge Isn’t Enough to Beat Red Wings

Anaheim played a lackluster game against the visiting Detroit Red Wings tonight. While being dominated most of the game, the Ducks had another late second period surge but were unable to tie the game up.

It is getting tougher and tougher to watch loss after loss…

Game Recap:

First Period: Only a minute in, Zetterberg stops a clear and surprises Hiller by backhanding one in (DET-1, ANA-0). The lights have gone out AGAIN tonight, it looks like half of Honda Center is without power. Supposedly the power was due to issues in Anaheim, not Honda Center. Rest of the period was pretty slow, probably due to the 26 minute delay.

Second Period: A Fowler giveaway is taken by Datsyuk who sends in to Johan Franzen for a goal only 47 seconds in (DET-2, ANA-0). A few solid shots, but both goaltenders looking solid. Brad Stuart sends one past a compltely screened Jonas Hiller (DET-3, ANA-0).  Saku Koivu Comes up BIG, sending a one-timer past Howard (DET-3, ANA-1). During a scramble in front of the net, Ryan raises his hands, celebrating a goal but the referee waives it off. After further review, it’s hard to tell if the puck actually crossed the blue line, so the call stands.  Koivu and Selanne both get close chances, but can’t catch any breaks. Teemu Selanne buries a pass from Perry, bringing the Ducks back in the game (DET-3, ANA-2). 

Third Period: Ducks realize this is a HUGE period and are putting some nasty shots on net. Howard is stopping everything and the Ducks just can’t seem to get one in. Jonathan Erikkson takes a penalty with about 2:30 left in the game. The Ducks pull Hiller, trying to tie the game with a 6-on-4 advantage. Brad Stuart takes the puck and shoots in an empty netter.

Stats:

• The Ducks outshot the Wings 34-30
• The Ducks have no dropped 10 out of their last 11 games.
• Cam Fowler led all Ducks blue liners in ice time with 24:05
• Corey Perry led all forwards in ice time with 20:17
• The Ducks went 6/6 on the PK, 1/5 on the PP

A heart breaking loss. The Ducks need to get out of a slump, and they need to do it now! Some positives I noticed were that Smith-Pelley seems to be getting his groove and almost converted a couple times. Niklas Hagman also seems to be fitting in nicely on the third line.

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