3 takeaways from the Anaheim Ducks win over the Buffalo Sabres

The Anaheim Ducks picked up a quick 6-5 home win against the Atlantic Division leading Buffalo Sabers, before heading out on a three-game western Canadian road trip. With the win, the Ducks retained first place in the Pacific Division, as the Edmonton Oilers were idle and the Vegas Golden Knights still remained four points back, even after downing the Dallas Stars. The Ducks were finally able to break through with their much-maligned powerplay, Troy Terry kept up his torrid scoring pace, and Mikael Granlund further established himself as the best option for the number two center role.

Powerplay break through

Heading into the game against the Sabres, the powerplay of the Ducks was a major area of concern, as it was ranked 27th in the NHL with a 16.8% conversion rate. Against the Sabres though, the Ducks were finally able to break through, converting three times with the man advantage. Chris Kreider opened the scoring for the Ducks on their first powerplay, with a one-timer off of a Leo Carlsson cross ice pass.

Jackson LaCombe temporarily gave the Ducks the lead with another powerplay goal, as he flung a wrist shot from the point and Sabres goalie, Alex Lyon, was double screened.

The Ducks finished the night three for four on the powerplay, which was far better than their season average and an important area of focus, as the playoffs loom ever closer on the horizon.

Terry can't stop scoring

Since returning to the Ducks lineup, Terry has put up six points (three goals, three assists) in just four games. Playing on the Ducks top line again, Terry hasn't skipped a beat and temporarily gave the Ducks the lead in the second period, with a beautiful backhand shot.

And gave the Ducks the win with another backhand shot in overtime.

Granlund is number two

With McTavish still not playing up to expectations and demoted to fourth line winger, Granlund has filled in as the number two center for the Ducks. Flanked by rookie sensation Beckett Sennecke and veteran Alex Killorn, Granlund had 18:43 of ice time, while playing on both the penalty kill and the powerplay, as well. In what was sure to be an emotional game, Granlund tied the game for the Ducks with a powerplay goal on his own, with Ville Husso pulled for the extra attacker.

Vancouver on deck

The Ducks will play the Canucks in Vancouver on Tuesday night, which has the potential to be a trap game, as the Canucks have fully embraced a rebuild and the Ducks should easily win against a depleted team. With their special teams finally converting though and the top six rounding into form, the Ducks can pad their lead atop the Pacific.