ANAHEIM | It wasn’t a great game from either team Friday night at Honda Center. Nevertheless, the Canadian could have emerged victorious from this duel with a little more opportunism and discipline.
With a score of 1-1 after two periods, the Ducks scored two power play goals in the space of four minutes in the third. These two streaks dealt a severe blow to the chances of the Canadian who was playing a second game in as many evenings.
“It was a game to be taken, indicated Jonathan Drouin. After two periods, we were there. They gave a penalty (to Chris Tierney) that looked like a dive from the Ducks’ 49 (Max Jones).
“They scored two goals that broke our legs.”
As for Martin St-Louis, he was unhappy with one particular aspect of his players’ game.
“Our execution was average,” said the coach. The effort was there. In the third period, the game could have gone either way. On our numerical advantage, we hit two posts. They scored twice. You have to give the Ducks credit.”
A perfect shot
On the Ducks’ second goal, Mason McTavish hit a perfect shot to beat Samuel Montembeault from the short side. The Quebecer could not do anything on the sequence.
“It was a really good shot,” said Montembeault. When I made my move, the puck went over my shoulder.
His defender Michael Matheson was a few feet from McTavish when he drew.
“He is a young person who plays as if he had been in the NHL for several years, he analyzed. He’s very good defensively and he’s smart with the puck.”
Worthy of a preparatory match
Some Canadian games will not go down in history. The one yesterday against the Ducks falls into this category.
The two teams did not offer a quality show to the fans, especially during the first two periods. Fortunately, the game came alive in the third period when the two teams traded a few good scoring chances.
This type of situation can arise when two formations are guaranteed to miss the playoffs. During the first 40 minutes of play, a good coffee was necessary to keep your eyes peeled.
The Ducks, despite several excellent up-and-coming players, are having a miserable year. They’re 29th in the NHL and it shows in player engagement.