The devil is in the details: how the Ducks smote the opposition

The Anaheim Ducks defeated the New Jersey Devils by a final score of 4-1. On a night when the Ducks were celebrating Dia de Muertos, the home team proved they should not be taken so lightly as in seasons past.

A wild Frank Vatrano appears

For most of the season, Vatrano has been maligned by goal scoring ineptitude, which mercifully came to its inevitable conclusion, when he finally got his first goal of the season. Off of a sprawling sweep check/pass by Jackson LaCombe, Vatrano potted his first goal of the season.

Lukas Dostal stands tall

The number one netminder has been a rock in net, posting 7.2 goals saved above expected for the season, entering the game. On a night when the opposition was flying around the ice, making quick plays in transition, and getting their fair share of great scoring chances, Dostal remained unfazed. Dostal ended his night with a .970 save percentage, allowing just one goal on 33 shots.

The young guns fire back

The Devils are led by a young core of Jack Huges, Luke Hughes, Simon Nemec, and are complemented by a supporting cast of veterans. The Ducks, featuring their own young core of Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, Cutter Gauthier, and Beckett Sennecke, and more, are complemented by their own share of veterans. And for one night at least, the Ducks' young core proved their worth.

Sennecke opened the scoring in the first period off a partial break away from a pass by Gauthier.

Gauthier really put the nail in the previable coffin, with a goal from a sharp angle shot.

By the end of the night, the Ducks were tied for first in the Pacific Division. Compared to the stark contrast of the past few seasons, the Ducks are in a favorable spot. The road only gets more challenging from here though, as the Panthers are on deck (again).