Ducks Soar Past Kraken in Thrilling 5-2 Victory
In a high-flying matchup at Climate Pledge Arena on Wednesday night, the Anaheim Ducks outpaced the Seattle Kraken with a decisive 5-2 win. The victory split the home-and-home series between these Pacific Division rivals, showcasing the Ducks’ balanced attack and stellar goaltending.
Game Highlights
John Gibson stood tall between the pipes for Anaheim, turning away an impressive 43 shots. His performance was crucial in securing the win and improving his record to 4-0-1 in five starts since returning from an appendectomy.
The Ducks’ offense was firing on all cylinders, with Trevor Zegras, Cutter Gauthier, and Alex Killorn each contributing a goal and an assist. Frank Vatrano and Brett Leason also found the back of the net, rounding out the scoring for Anaheim.
Seattle’s Eeli Tolvanen and Oliver Bjorkstrand lit the lamp for the Kraken, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Ducks’ onslaught.
Key Moments
The game started with Anaheim taking an early lead:
- Vatrano opened the scoring at 8:23 of the first period with a crafty spin move.
- Leason doubled the advantage at 12:43 with a sneaky shot that squeezed past Kraken goalie Joey Daccord.
Seattle fought back to tie the game 2-2 in the second period, but Anaheim quickly regained control:
- Killorn put the Ducks back on top at 10:02 of the second, capitalizing on a turnover.
- Gauthier extended the lead with a power-play goal late in the second period.
- Zegras sealed the deal in the third, scoring on a rebound to make it 5-2.
Impact Players
John Gibson’s stellar performance in the net was a game-changer. He faced a barrage of shots but stood firm, allowing his team to build and maintain their lead.
The trio of Zegras, Gauthier, and Killorn proved to be a dynamic force for the Ducks, each contributing multiple points and driving the offense.
Looking Ahead
This win snaps the Ducks’ two-game losing streak and brings their record to 9-9-3 for the season. The Kraken, now 11-11-1, will look to bounce back in their next outing.
The Ducks played without forward Leo Carlsson, who was sidelined with an upper-body injury sustained in Monday’s game against the Kraken.
As the NHL season progresses, both teams aim to improve their performances and climb the Pacific Division standings. Fans can catch the next Kraken game on KONG TV or through streaming services like Fubo.
This thrilling matchup showcased the excitement and skill of NHL hockey, leaving fans eager for more action as the season unfolds.