Anaheim Ducks Snap Slump with 4-3 Win Over Struggling Vegas Golden Knights
The Anaheim Ducks ended their brief losing streak and delivered another blow to the faltering Vegas Golden Knights with a hard-fought 4-3 victory on Sunday night at Honda Center. With a standout performance from Chris Kreider, who netted two goals, the Ducks seized an early lead and narrowly withstood a late surge from the Golden Knights. This result adds further uncertainty to the tightly contested Western Conference playoff picture, as both teams navigate critical phases of the season.
Ducks Establish Early Dominance with Kreider's Double Strike
The Anaheim Ducks wasted no time in taking control of the game, scoring first during the middle of the opening period. Chris Kreider capitalized on a chaotic Vegas Golden Knights defensive lapse, tapping in a deflected centering pass to give Anaheim the early advantage. This goal highlighted a troubling trend for Vegas, marking the eighth instance in their last ten games where they conceded the first goal, underscoring their ongoing struggles to start games strongly.
Anaheim extended their lead in the second period with Kreider's second goal of the evening. Demonstrating his keen positioning in front of the net, Kreider expertly redirected a point shot past Vegas goaltender Adin Hill, pushing the Ducks ahead 2-0. Shortly thereafter, the Ducks increased their lead to 3-0 when Cutter Gauthier converted a power-play opportunity with a precise snapshot from the right circle, showcasing Anaheim's offensive efficiency.
Late Drama as Ducks Hold Off Golden Knights' Comeback Bid
As the game progressed, the Anaheim Ducks secured what seemed like a comfortable victory when Ryan Poehling scored into an empty net with just over a minute remaining. However, the Vegas Golden Knights mounted a late charge, with Tomas Hertl scoring with only six seconds left on the clock to narrow the deficit to one goal. Despite this late push, the Ducks' defense, backed by goaltender Dostal's 27 saves—including several crucial stops during a third-period onslaught—held firm to seal the win.
Ryan Poehling contributed significantly with a goal and an assist, while Jacob Trouba added two assists from the blue line, bolstering Anaheim's offensive efforts. The Ducks also received a timely boost from the return of Troy Terry, who provided two assists in his first game back after missing 11 contests due to injury, injecting fresh energy into the lineup.
Vegas' Concerning Slide Continues Amid Playoff Race Uncertainty
For the Vegas Golden Knights, this loss represents their fifth consecutive defeat and their seventh in the last eight games, a worrying pattern that threatens their playoff aspirations as the season advances. Their inability to finish games strongly and gain early advantages has become a persistent issue, casting doubt on their consistency and resilience under pressure.
In contrast, the Anaheim Ducks are poised to build momentum from this crucial victory, regaining confidence and rhythm at a pivotal juncture in the season. As the Western Conference playoff race intensifies, this win could serve as a turning point for Anaheim, while Vegas must address their recurring shortcomings to avoid further setbacks.
