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The Anaheim Ducks finally got back in the win column last night, defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 in overtime.
The Ducks opted to go with 11 forwards and seven defensemen once again, with Max Comtois re-entering the lineup, playing in his first game since mid-November.
Anaheim managed to get ahead early, as a puck hit Brett Pesce and dropped to Adam Henrique, who scored from a good spot four minutes into the game. Less than two minutes later though, the Ducks got stuck in their end and Carolina capitalized, with Brady Skjei beating John Gibson with a well-placed shot. Anaheim did manage to take back the lead only a little later though, as Jakob Silfverberg managed to win a puck battle on a forecheck and got it out to Max Comtois, who put the Ducks back ahead.
The Ducks gave up some pretty great (but avoidable) chances early in the second frame and while they managed to hold off the Hurricanes on those, Sebastian Aho capitalized on a rebound midway through the frame to tie the game. Anaheim did pull back ahead under only a minute later, with Brett Leason burying a pass from Mason McTavish but Carolina responded later in the frame once again off a tipped point shot, leaving the contest at 3-3 through 40 minutes.
Anaheim did end up generating some pretty good chances in the third period and outshot Carolina 10-7. They weren’t able to capitalize though, and the game continued to overtime.
In overtime though, Cam Fowler made a really nice stretch pass up to Ryan Strome, who entered the zone on an odd-man rush and beat Kochetkov with a good shot, giving Anaheim the extra point.
It’s a big win, as the Ducks finally snap their losing skid. Not only that, but they did it against a good team, who’s been on a roll as of late.
John Gibson has also quietly been upping his play lately. After an inconsistent (and statistically awful) beginning to the season, Gibson has put together a stretch of strong games. He’s now posted a .915 save percentage or higher in five of his last six games, despite facing 37 shots or more in four of those five strong games.
It was also good seeing Comtois score in his first game getting back into the lineup. After such a good season in 2021, he’s struggled since and hopefully, he’s able to start becoming an impact player again.
That said, opting to use seven defensemen while playing both Nathan Beaulieu and Colton White each for under 10 minutes per game, while Pavol Regenda is in the minors, still makes no sense.
Regardless, it’s a big win for Anaheim. They’ll be back in action on Friday, when they face the San Jose Sharks.
In other news, the Ducks also claimed forward Jayson Megna off waivers from the Colorado Avalanche yesterday.
Megna is a 32-year-old forward, who played 14 games with the Avalanche this season, but didn't register a point. He's played 162 career NHL games and is on a one-year deal, worth $750,000.
OTHER ARTICLES FROM DECEMBER
Ducks shut out by Stars for fourth straight loss
Ducks fall to Wild in shootout for fifth straight loss
Ducks blow lead against Jets, lose sixth straight game to end road trip 
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