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After returning home following a five-game road trip, the Anaheim Ducks fell 4-2 to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday, marking their sixth loss in a row.
Despite really not being able to generate much offense in the opening frame, the Ducks managed to strike first, with Trevor Zegras ripping a one-timer past Brian Elliott, off a pass from Trevor Zegras. Only a few minutes later through, Mikhail Sergachev was able to tie the game, just throwing a puck on net and beating John Gibson, who was screened. Then with only just over a minute to go in the period, Victor Hedman found Nikita Kucherov, who scored off a one-timer, and the Lightning had the lead through 20 minutes.
The Ducks continued to get outplayed through a lot of the second frame, with the Lightning generating some great chances. However, Gibson came up big and then late in the frame, Troy Terry took the puck off Philippe Myers on a great forecheck and then ripped a shot past Elliott to tie the game.
Anaheim then actually had some pretty good chances to take the lead in the third period but just couldn’t capitalize. It ended up costing them, as late in the game, Brandon Hagel ripped a shot past Gibson from the top of the circle on a power play, putting the Lightning ahead. Nick Paul then added an empty netter in the dying seconds, leading to a 4-2 Lightning win.
Anaheim was outplayed pretty badly through the first half of the game but actually did put together a better second half. That said, they still managed just 21 shots overall, which isn’t going to win many games.
A highlight though was the fact that both of Anaheim’s goals were the result of a great forecheck from Troy Terry, taking the puck off Victor Hedman behind the Lightning’s net on the first goal, then making Myers look bad on the second goal. Terry has become a really well-rounded forward and it’s exciting to see just how versatile he is.
That said, it still marks the Ducks sixth straight loss, as they fall to 1-5-1. Even in a pretty weak Pacific Division, they’re quite a ways back and have a lot of ground to make up if they hope to have a shot at playing meaningful games later in the year.
The Ducks will be back in action tonight, as they face the Vegas Golden Knights.
***Note: Apologies for the delay on the recap - the site was down yesterday.
OTHER ARTICLES FROM OCTOBER
Trevor Zegras listed as day-to-day, Ducks sign Nathan Beaulieu
Ducks announce opening night roster, Josh Mahura claimed by Panthers
Ducks mount comeback in season opener to defeat Kraken in overtime
Ducks allow seven goals in blowout loss to Islanders
Ducks outmatched by Rangers, lose 6-4
Ducks blow lead against Devils, fall 4-2
Ducks’ losing streak now at four games after falling to Bruins in shootout
Ducks complete winless road trip with loss to Red Wings