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The Anaheim Ducks dropped their first game after the holiday break, falling 2-1 in overtime to the Vancouver Canucks tonight.
Max Comtois, Sam Steel and Trevor Zegras were all in COVID protocol and did not dress, while Jacob Larsson entered the lineup as a seventh defenseman.
It was a relatively even opening frame, with the Ducks getting some power play chances but not being able to capitalize. However, Sam Carrick opened the scoring with under four minutes to go in the period, getting to a puck and going in alone, before beating Thatcher Demko to give the Ducks a 1-0 lead. It’s worth noting though that before the end of the period, Cam Fowler fell into the boards awkwardly and did not return to the game.
The Canucks started to take control in the second frame, outshooting the Ducks 15-8 and generating some great chances. However, John Gibson was great and as a result, Anaheim kept their 1-0 lead after 40 minutes.
The Ducks tied the game early in the third period, as Quinn Hughes got a nice pass to Tanner Pearson and he beat Gibson who was sliding across. The Canucks continued to generate scoring chances after that but neither team was able to break the tie and the game went to overtime.
In the extra frame, the Ducks got a great 3-on-1 chance but couldn’t capitalize. The puck then went back the other way, with J.T. Miller going in alone on a breakaway and beating Gibson to secure a Canucks win.
It wasn’t a great performance from the Ducks, who were outplayed through most of the back half of the game and heavily relied upon Gibson to keep them in it. That said, they still picked up a point when they may not have deserved one, so there are some positives to draw from the loss.
Anaheim will be back in action on Friday against the Vegas Golden Knights.
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OTHER ARTICLES FROM DECEMBER
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Ducks fall short against Capitals, lose in shootout
Ducks beat Sabres 2-0, Trevor Zegras pulls off incredible assist
John Gibson shines in Ducks’ shootout win over Blue Jackets
Ducks rebound with OT win against Blues after being shut out by Penguins
Ducks’ young stars leading team to surprising success
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Ducks will have extended break after games postponed
Sabres reportedly wanted Zegras, Drysdale and more in a Jack Eichel trade
Ducks enter holiday break in good spot after unexpected start to season
Ducks have four prospects at World Juniors, game vs. Sharks postponed 
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