The last three weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster for the Ducks. After a season-high nine-game losing streak, the Ducks came into the week having won three games in a row and looking to shake up the pacific division once again. The Ducks welcomed the New York Rangers to Honda Center on Monday night, before heading out to Denver to take on the NHL-best Colorado Avalanche.
The Ducks began their week at home against the New York Rangers, beating them 5-3 to increase their win streak to four.
The game was headlined by forward Cutter Gauthier, who on his 22nd birthday netted two goals, increasing his season total to 22. Forwards Mason McTavish, Jeffrey Viel, and Alex Killorn also scored on the night. McTavish’s goal is especially relieving for Ducks fans, who are looking for McTavish to continue leading the team following his contract extension at the beginning of the season.
The Ducks’ defensive performance was also a welcome sight for fans.
“[We] Just play[ed] a strong, consistent, defensive game,” Gauthier said following the win. ”When we play a more defensive side of the game, I feel like a lot of opportunities are handed to us.”
The Ducks also won on the night without their two highest scorers, forwards Troy Terry and talisman Leo Carlsson, who were out due to injury.
“We’ve been playing really well defensively, not giving up a ton,” Killorn said. ”That’s been a huge reason why we’ve been successful, especially with the guys we have out of our lineup, guys that are huge offensive tools for us.”
Following the win against the Rangers, the Ducks headed to Colorado to start their five-game road trip, where they overcame the Avalanche in a 2-1 shootout victory.
The game was undoubtedly won by goalie Lukas Dostal, who made an incredible 40 saves in regulation as well as stopping both attempts in the shootout. This win is a big step for the 25-year old Dostal, who is currently in his first season starting full-time between the sticks for the Ducks following the departure of longtime goalie John Gibson.
Forwards Mikael Granlund Gauthier scored in the shootout for the Ducks, while Viel scored in regulation, netting his second goal in as many games.
The team was delighted with the victory, having now won five games in a row.
“We were able to face some adversity, but we came out on top and we’ve been playing some really good hockey,” Gauthier said following the win.
One concern for the Ducks, however, is the upper-body injury to McTavish, who was a late scratch from the game following warm-ups.
“I don’t know how long he’s going to be out. I don’t think it’s too serious,” head coach Joel Quenneville said after the game. “Warm-up could have triggered it.”
Now with their nine-game losing streak in the past, the Ducks will look to win their sixth in a row on Friday night as they head to Seattle to take on the Kraken.