The Anaheim Ducks opened their road trip by losing both games of their weekend back-to-back set, falling 2-1 to the New York Rangers on Saturday, followed by a 6-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Sunday.
Against the Rangers, the Ducks started a little slow, being outshot 18-7 in the first period, forcing Lukas Dostal to be really sharp (how many times have we heard that already). However, Anaheim did start to build some momentum as the game went on, and had some great chances on a second period power play, in a rare instance where they looked a little threatening on the man advantage.
But it was the Rangers who opened the scoring about four minutes into the third period, when Ryan Lindgren took a pass from Artemi Panarin, to crack Lukas Dostal. Then after an initial goal from Will Cuylle was called back on an offside challenge, Cuylle did manage to get his goal back a little later, finishing off a loose puck while Dostal was out of position, increasing the lead to 2-0. Anaheim did get one back off a great deflection from Olen Zellweger courtesy of a pass from Cutter Gauthier, but that’s as close as Anaheim would come, falling 2-1.
Then last night in New Jersey, Anaheim did open the scoring five minutes into the game, when a shot from Brock McGinn found its way to beat Jacob Markstrom. However, the Ducks were outshot by a huge 28-10 margin through the first 40 minutes from there.
New Jersey got on the board only a minute into the second period when Jack Hughes finished off a nice passing play, kicking off what ended up being a disastrous period for Anaheim. Then only a few minutes later, Stefan Noesen managed to sneak a puck through James Reimer, putting the Devils ahead. Noesen then struck again on a late power play, before Paul Cotter struck with a minute to go in the frame, putting the Ducks in a huge 4-1 through two periods.
Nico Hischier then drove down the wing to get by Tristan Luneau and beat Reimer early in the third period, making it 5-1. Ryan Strome did get one back, but Erik Haula scored on a breakaway with about a minute to go, leading to a 6-2 loss for the Ducks.
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It’s a set of two losses that don’t come as much of a surprise, but they came out in two different ways. The Ducks managed to hang around against a really good team in New York and actually ended up outshooting them in the contest. It wasn’t perfect by any means, but the team looked more formidable. In the loss to New Jersey though, even if it was the second half of a back-to-back, it was a pretty tough outing.
Lukas Dostal continues to be the team’s most valuable player this year, now holding a .936 save percentage across six games. As of now, he leads the NHL in goals saved above average, according to Hockey Reference.
The Ducks’ power play may also not have converted, but it actually looked more threatening over the two games.
But more than anything, the team still needs goals. Cutter Gautheir has been more involved in the last few games (picking up three assists), but two key forwards in Trevor Zegras and Mason McTavish continue to struggle to produce. As of now, Zegras has two points in eight games, while McTavish has just three assists.
Even a lot of the secondary scoring really hasn’t come. Frank Vatrano has yet to score, while Robby Fabbri and Alex Killorn have one goal (and one point). When five of your top-nine forwards basically aren’t able to produce at all, it’s going to be tough to win games.
The Ducks have two games left on their Eastern road trip, and you’d love to see them get some points here. They’re facing two slightly easier opponents in the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins, but the lack of offense really isn’t inspiring much confidence.
OTHER ARTICLES FROM OCTOBER
- Ducks split back-to-back to open season with win over Sharks, loss to VGK
- Ducks beat Utah in home opener after back-and-forth battle
- Lukas Dostal makes 45 saves, but Ducks fall to Avalanche in overtime
- Ducks' offense falls flat in 4-1 loss to Kings
- Ducks’ four-game road trip will serve as good test
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