How the Anaheim Ducks finally ended their losing streak

For almost a full calendar month that stretches back into the December, the Ducks have been careening down the Pacific Division standings. Finally returning home after a miserable four game road trip, that saw the team rack up their ninth loss in a row, the Ducks desperately needed a win. But Anaheim fans were dealt worse news before the puck dropped against the Dallas Stars, as three key offensive skaters were absent from the lineup.

Leo Carlsson was ruled out with a lower body injury, Cutter Gauthier was ruled out with an illness, and Troy Terry missed his third game in a row with an upper body injury, per the Ducks. However, despite their lack of recent success and the absence of key contributors, the Ducks pulled off a 3-1 win against the Stars with great goaltending and by winning the expected goals battle.

Dostal looked like himself again

For much of the Ducks recent losing streak, Dostal has not played up to his usual high standards, with an .851 save percentage and 4.24 goals against average, in eight starts. In 30 starts this season, Dostal has -3.7 goals saved above expected, compared to last season when he had 14.3 in 54 starts. However, Dostal looked like himself against the Stars.

Dostal looked much better moving laterally making saves and really kept the Ducks in the game, especially late when the Stars were trying to tie the game with the extra attacker. Dostal finished the game with a .960 save percentage and 1.7 goals saved above expected.

Winning the expected goals battle

Even though the shot totals for both teams were even with 25 a side, the Ducks had the better of expected goals percentage at five on five. Only one Ducks skater was below 50%, Pavel Mintyukov, while every other Ducks skater was above that mark, with Mason McTavish leading the way at 90.23.

The Stars, on the other hand, did not have a single skater above 55% expected goals at five on five. Roope Hintz led the Stars at 55.24. And despite the Ducks missing arguably three of their best forwards, they put together one of their most complete games in some time. The results were evident in the offensive zone.

And in the defensive zone, even while using 11 forwards and 7 defenseman line combinations, due to the missing forwards. With the Stars pushing for the late goal to tie the game, the defense did not break down, and Jacob Trouba iced the win with an empty net goal.

Cannot rest of their laurels

Even though the Ducks secured a much-needed victory, they only have a couple days to catch their collective breaths and hopefully get some injured skaters back into the lineup. The Ducks have an upcoming home and home matchup with the Los Angeles Kings, and four very crucial Pacific Division standings points on the line. If the Ducks want to get back into the playoff race, beating a division rival would be a good place to start.