Detailed notes on Tuesday's game between the Anaheim Ducks and Calgary Flames
The Anaheim Ducks wrapped up their five-game road trip with a 5-3 win over the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night, putting a halt to their five-game losing streak.
The Ducks went 3-12-1 in March, but are looking to end the season on a strong note in April and build toward the 2024-25 season.
For the sixth time in the Ducks' last nine games, Lukas Dostal was given the crease. He stopped 21 of 24 shots and made the saves he had to in order to give Anaheim a chance to win.
After only managing to score 14 goals in their previous 14 games, the floodgates seemingly opened in this game as they tallied five for the first time since Feb 29.
In his 20th career game, rookie defenseman Olen Zellweger recorded his first multi-point game with three assists against the Flames.
Troy Terry chipped three points of his own with a goal and two assists while Alex Killorn found the back of the net twice.
Mason McTavish left this game early in the second period with a lower-body injury. His status will be monitored in the next few days.
Here are my notes from this game:
Cycle: Unlike for the majority of the season, Anaheim spread the ice when working the puck throughout the offensive zone in this game. Rather than sending low-to-high passes from a corner to the point to try and get off a distance shot with two forwards in the slot causing traffic, one forward remained on the weakside to draw defenders from the front of the net and create mismatches in front.
Before McTavish was forced from the game, he and Zegras demonstrated this concept well on a couple of occasions, especially on McTavish's goal (Anaheim's first).
Breakout: There was a concerted effort to support pucks with multiple forwards low on breakouts. Second touches along the wall were either safely played off the glass to the neutral zone or expertly slipped to the middle of the ice for a supporting defenseman or center. Troy Terry had a handful of deft passes to a supporting Leo Carlsson who picked up pucks with speed in this game.
Leo Carlsson: Recognition and timing are becoming Carlsson's trademarks. As an F3 in the neutral zone, he dissects breakouts and anticipates where pucks are headed. When he senses or causes disruption, he is already at full speed heading the other way with possession. His explosiveness has increased as the year's progressed and his timing of stick lifts is making life difficult on opponents looking to make plays.
Jakob Silfverberg: Silfverberg was particularly disruptive in every zone in this game. He continues to work below the offensive goal line and create opportunities out of the corners.
William Laggeson: Laggeson played an under the radar yet fundamentally solid defensive game. He forced opponents to poor angles and sealed them along the wall. With the puck on his stick, he played within himself and made safe and effective plays.
Olen Zellweger: Zellweger has always piled up shot attempts at every level he's played at. He doesn't shoot just to shoot, however. He is in constant motion throughout the offensive zone in search for shooting and passing angles, and when he releases his shot, it's deadly whether he sees an opening on net or if he's shooting for tips or around screens.
Defensively, Zellweger showed quality angling abilities as he dictated where he wanted to funnel puck carriers before engaging and winning battles.
Trevor Zegras: Zegras continues to add layers to his defensive game. He is hounding pucks on the backcheck and showing a high motor to create battles when opponents think they have him beat. His calculated F1 forechecking ability is forcing opposing defensemen into poor decisions or tough passes.
The Ducks will return to Honda Center on Friday night to take on the visiting Seattle Kraken at 7 PM PST.