Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Late in the second period, the Anaheim Ducks were down 4-0 and were being out shot 25-6 by the Winnipeg Jets.
Somewhere the San Jose Sharks were cheering.
But four unanswered goals and an overtime tally later, the Ducks completed the largest comeback in franchise history as they defeated the Jets 5-4 in improbable fashion Monday night at Honda Center.
Almost eight minutes after committing a crucial penalty late in the third period, Stephane Robidas made sure his first goal as a member of the Ducks was a memorable one as his slap shot 16 seconds into overtime completed the comeback.
With 22.7 seconds left in regulation and the Ducks trailing 4-3, Corey Perry notched his 39th goal of the season to send the game to overtime. Robidas would then end the roller-coaster contest quickly in the extra frame to finish off the stunning turn of events never before seen in Ducks history.
With the win, the Ducks (49-18-8) have set a new single-season record for wins and are now three points ahead of the Sharks for first place in the Pacific Division.
Somewhere the San Jose Sharks are in disbelief.
After giving up four goals to start the game, Anaheim’s comeback began with Nick Bonino‘s 20th goal of the season late in the second period. The goal created a spark that the Ducks desperately needed as Ryan Getzlaf and Hampus Lindholm scored early in third period to cut the deficit to one.
Rookie goalie Frederik Andersen, who made his second consecutive start in front of Jonas Hiller, struggled early, but came up with gigantic saves to keep the Ducks close late in the game. Thanks to the offensive explosion, Andersen was able to get his 18th win on the season.
The first 20 minutes for Anaheim were as ugly as it could have possibly been. Winnipeg controlled the game with ease, firing off 19 shots compared to only four by the Ducks. The second period saw the Ducks show a bit of life, but it wasn’t until Bonino hit the twine that Anaheim awoke from its’ slumber.
The Ducks will stay at Honda Center as they take on the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday night. Anaheim lost in overtime to Edmonton last Friday in a game that saw the Ducks pepper Oilers’ goalie Ben Scrivens with 51 shots on goal.
If that output happens again, expect the Ducks to increase their lead in the Pacific Division as the regular season winds down in the coming weeks.