There are two conclusions that can be deduced from last night’s Flames-Ducks game: 1) The Ducks have a knack for blowing third period leads and going to shootouts 2) The Flames hate playing in Southern California.
Through much of the course of last night’s game, the Ducks looked hungover from their brief trip up to Canada where they were able to salvage three of four points in back-to-back games against the Oilers and Canucks. They were salvaged because in both games the Ducks watched two-goal leads evaporate. The club picked up the win in the 10th round of a 3-2 shootout win in Edmonton by virtue of Rookie defenseman Cam Fowler, but would lose the next night in a 5-4 shootout loss to the Canucks.
But even back on home ice, there must be something about Canadian teams that brings out the worst in the Ducks. For the third straight game, Anaheim squandered a two-goal lead in the third period and had to decide things in a shootout. Playing in his 400th NHL regular-season game, Corey Perry was able to come through and lift the Ducks over the Flames with a 3-2 victory. The win marks the 12th straight home victory over the Flames.
Although there is no excuse for the Ducks recent third-period woes (other than the obvious: soft offensive forecheck, careless defensive turnovers, ect.), the team has had to deal with a nagging groin injury to Teemu Sleanne. The Finnish Flash sat out during last night’s contest, marking the third time he has been knocked out of the Ducks’ lineup in the past two weeks. Selanne originally was injured Nov. 19 against Columbus and since then he hasn’t been able to fully recover.
{ 0 comments… add one now }