Pucks of a Feather
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Anaheim Ducks: The 2018 Vegas Rookie Face-off in Review

By Ciara Durant

ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 06: Left center Benoit-Olivier Groulx #50 and right winger Kiefer Sherwood #64 of the Anaheim Ducks race for the puck during the Anaheim Ducks Rookie Camp at Anaheim ICE in Anaheim on Thursday, September 6, 2018. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 06: Left center Benoit-Olivier Groulx #50 and right winger Kiefer Sherwood #64 of the Anaheim Ducks race for the puck during the Anaheim Ducks Rookie Camp at Anaheim ICE in Anaheim on Thursday, September 6, 2018. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CA – JULY 01: Anaheim Ducks first pick 23rd overall in 2018 forward Isac Lundestrom (48) from Sweden works out during the Ducks Development Camp held at The Rinks – Anaheim Ice in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – JULY 01: Anaheim Ducks first pick 23rd overall in 2018 forward Isac Lundestrom (48) from Sweden works out during the Ducks Development Camp held at The Rinks – Anaheim Ice in Anaheim, CA. (Photo by John Cordes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Anaheim Ducks vs Colorado Avalanche (Game 2)

The Anaheim Ducks started the Rookie Face-off with a bang, defeating Los Angeles 8-3. Going into Game 2, they were looking for similar results. However, after their loss to the Golden Knights in Game 1, the Avalanche were looking to redeem themselves. Nevertheless, the “baby Ducks” put on another stellar performance in Game 2 of the tournament.

Both teams remained scoreless at the end of the first period. Things finally started to heat up early in the second with a goal from Maxime Comtois, the assist going to Tyler Soy. Soy’s superior strength out on the ice helped him win the battle for a loose puck in the corner. Soy saw an opportunity with Comtois in the slot. When the puck connected with his stick, Comtois sunk the puck five-hole, giving the Ducks a 1-0 lead over the Av’s.

The Anaheim Ducks lead didn’t last long. The Avalanche scored two goals in the second period. Brandon Saigeon scored the Av’s first goal of the night on a power play, tieing the game 1-1. At 5:14 of the second, Matthew Boucher scored their second goal during a 2-on-1 attempt, giving the lead to the Avalanche.

Late in the second, in an amazing display of teamwork, Sherwood and Lundestrom assisted Kopacka in tieing up the game. Sherwood, however, was just warming up. After his assist on Kopacka’s goal, he out-witted Colorado’s goaltender, giving the Ducks a 3-2 lead.

The Ducks controlled most of the third period, scoring two more goals at the conclusion of the game. The Av’s were able to generate some great scoring chances, but Lukas Dostal held his own in the net. He saved 27 of the 29 shots he faced during the contest, posting a .931% save percentage.

Julius Nattinen scored the fourth goal of the evening, at 9:43 of the third, making it his first of the tournament. His beautiful one-timer came off of an odd-man rush with Justin Ducharme. Colorado pulled their goaltender out of the net in exchange for an extra attacker late in the third. Isac Lundestrom seized the opportunity. He scored a goal into the Av’s empty net with one minute left in regulation, giving the Ducks a 5-2 victory over Colorado.

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