October 8, 2018— Shootout Winner During the Home Opener
A rematch that was 25 years in the making began when the Anaheim Ducks met the Detroit Red Wings at center ice for their 2018-19 home opener. Although the rivalry between the two teams has been stagnant over the past few years, that didn’t mean we weren’t excited to see someone get their feathers ruffled.
The Anaheim Ducks were still working out the kinks, trying to find a system that worked with them while simultaneously integrating the youth. Their opponents, the Detroit Red Wings, were on what they hoped would be the tail end of their rebuild. As the puck dropped, it was really anyone’s game.
Throughout the entirety of the game, the Anaheim Ducks had a little bit more control in all situations. However, that didn’t keep the Detroit Red Wings from taking the lead in the second period and holding onto it for a decent part of the third. Jakob Silfverberg tied it up 8:29 into the third, and the final buzzer sounded with the score being tied at 2-2.
Neither team was able to capitalize on an opportunity in the overtime period, and the game headed into a shootout. Randy Carlyle sent out Rickard Rakell to open things up, and unfortunately, Jimmy Howard robbed him of a goal. John Gibson stood tall against Thomas Vanek, and with one shot apiece, no one had yet to score.
Carlyle made a bold move when he sent out Troy Terry as his second shooter. However, Terry’s reputation in the shootout was likely the reason behind RC’s decision. He got out on the ice, and for the first time, he looked confident and composed. In one smooth motion, he sent the puck through the legs of Jimmy Howard, scoring the Ducks first shootout goal, going five-hole.
Neither Frans Nielsen, Sam Steel, or Gustav Nyquist were able to score on the shootout, making Troy Terry the sole goal scorer. His goal gave the Anaheim Ducks the extra edge to light the lamp and win the rematch against the Detroit Red Wings.