Quick Read
- The Anaheim Ducks defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-3 on Sunday night at Honda Center.
- Chris Kreider scored two goals for the Ducks, contributing to their season sweep of the Golden Knights.
- Lukas Dostal made 27 saves for Anaheim, securing the victory.
- The Vegas Golden Knights have now lost five straight games and seven of their last eight.
- Anaheim has won eight of its last ten games, signaling a significant resurgence.
ANAHEIM (Azat TV) – The Anaheim Ducks secured a decisive 4-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday night at Honda Center, completing a surprising three-game season sweep against their Pacific Division rivals. The win, powered by two goals from forward Chris Kreider, notably extended the Golden Knights’ current losing streak to five consecutive games and marked their seventh defeat in the last eight outings, signaling a concerning slump for the division leaders.
Anaheim’s latest triumph underscored a significant turnaround for the team, which has now claimed eight victories in its last ten games. This resurgence contrasts sharply with the Golden Knights’ recent struggles, as Vegas has grappled with consistent slow starts and an inability to close out games, despite rallying efforts.
Anaheim Ducks Secure Key Victory Over Vegas
The Ducks’ victory was a hard-fought contest that saw them establish an early 3-0 lead. Chris Kreider opened the scoring late in the first period when a puck deflected off his leg into the net, assisted by Ryan Poehling. Kreider then added his second goal, and 19th of the season, early in the second period with a tip-in from in front of a screened Adin Hill, the Golden Knights’ goaltender.
Cutter Gauthier further extended Anaheim’s lead with his 24th goal of the season on a power-play just minutes later, marking the Ducks’ fifth power-play goal in five games. Goaltender Lukas Dostal played a crucial role, making 27 saves to help secure the win for Anaheim, as reported by ABC News.
The Golden Knights mounted a spirited comeback attempt in the third period, with Mitch Marner and Ivan Barbashev scoring their third consecutive goals to cut the deficit to one. Marner capitalized on a fortunate deflection, while Barbashev tapped in a loose puck after Dostal couldn’t control Jack Eichel’s shot. However, Ryan Poehling sealed the win for the Ducks with an empty-net goal with just over a minute remaining. Tomas Hertl added a late goal for Vegas with only six seconds left, but it was not enough to overcome Anaheim’s lead.
Golden Knights Grapple with Prolonged Slump
The defeat marked the second five-game losing streak for the Vegas Golden Knights since Christmas, with their overall record now standing at 25-16-14. According to the Review-Journal, the team’s struggles have been characterized by consistently conceding the game’s first goal, a trend that has occurred in eight of their last ten games. Coach Bruce Cassidy had reportedly urged his team to compete harder in front of the net, yet they surrendered two goals to Kreider, known for his prowess in the crease.
The Knights’ inability to maintain defensive discipline and their reliance on late-game rallies have become a recurring issue. Despite still holding first place in the Pacific Division, their recent performance has tightened the standings, with only six points separating first through sixth place ahead of the Winter Olympics break.
Kreider’s Impact and Ducks’ Resurgence
Chris Kreider, acquired by the Ducks last June from the New York Rangers, recorded his first multi-goal game since November 6, showcasing the offensive firepower he brings to Anaheim. His performance exemplifies an “attitude shift” within the Ducks’ locker room, as noted by KAGS TV, contributing to the team’s improved form at home.
The Ducks also welcomed back key players from injury. Right wing Troy Terry returned after an 11-game absence due to an upper-body injury, and center Mason McTavish also rejoined the lineup after missing five games. These returns provided a boost to the team as they commenced a nine-game homestand, following a five-game road trip. The game was Anaheim’s eighth consecutive sellout, indicating strong fan support for their recent performance.
Looking Ahead for Both Teams
The Anaheim Ducks are set to continue their homestand, hosting Seattle on Tuesday. Their next road game is not scheduled until March 10, providing an extended period to build on their recent successes.
Conversely, the Vegas Golden Knights face mounting pressure to reverse their fortunes. They are scheduled to host Vancouver on Wednesday, a crucial game as they look to break their five-game skid and solidify their position in the competitive Pacific Division. The team’s coaching staff and players will be under scrutiny to address the slow starts and defensive lapses that have plagued them in recent weeks.
The Anaheim Ducks’ sweep of the Golden Knights not only highlights their own unexpected surge but also casts a spotlight on the vulnerability of a Vegas team that, despite its division lead, is struggling to find consistency, potentially creating significant shifts in the Pacific Division standings as the season progresses.