Anaheim Ducks Find Their Footing with Gritty Overtime Victory
The Anaheim Ducks appear to have steadied their ship after weeks of turbulence. Their recent performance suggests a team that has rediscovered its rhythm and confidence.
A Playoff-Style Battle at Honda Center
Saturday night at Honda Center provided another clear sign of progress for the Ducks. They managed to close out a tight, intense game against a familiar rival, the Los Angeles Kings. The final result mattered, but the manner of the victory carried even greater significance for the team.
Against the Kings, Anaheim relied on solid structure, patience, and timely execution. This disciplined approach paid off late in overtime, extending a momentum-building stretch that has quietly reshaped their season outlook.
Granlund Delivers the Decisive Moment
Mikael Granlund provided the game-winning moment with just 57.4 seconds remaining in overtime. He scored on a precise wrist shot from the right circle, lifting the Ducks to a 2-1 victory. The goal marked Granlund's ninth of the season.
The play developed from a controlled 3-on-1 rush where Anaheim showed remarkable restraint. Instead of forcing a pass, they allowed the play to develop naturally, showcasing their improved decision-making.
Key Contributions and Defensive Discipline
The sequence began with a critical effort from Beckett Sennecke. He disrupted Kevin Fiala on a Kings breakaway by lifting his stick, then sent the puck back toward the blue line. This move denied Adrian Kempe a follow-up chance. Sennecke then sprinted back into the play, drawing coverage from Anton Forsberg and Drew Doughty. This created the shooting lane Granlund needed.
Mason McTavish opened the scoring early in the first period. He capitalized on a neutral-zone turnover, snapping a wrist shot past Forsberg from the left circle. Kempe tied the game midway through the second period on a 5-on-3 power play, ending his six-game goal drought with his 16th of the season.
From that point, the game tightened considerably. Ville Husso stopped 17 shots for the Ducks, while Forsberg turned aside 31 in a losing effort for the Kings.
Special Teams and Defensive Improvements
Special teams proved uneven for both sides. Los Angeles went 1-for-6 on the power play, while Anaheim failed to convert on three opportunities. Despite this, the Ducks' defensive structure held firm. They limited second chances and kept rebounds manageable throughout the game.
This victory marked Anaheim's third straight win after a difficult nine-game winless skid. During that challenging period, defensive breakdowns repeatedly cost them valuable points. In sharp contrast, the Ducks have allowed just four goals across their last three games.
This defensive correction reflects improved predictability and consistent effort, as noted by coach Joel Quenneville. The team is showing clear signs of learning how to close games effectively.
Contrasting Fortunes for the Rivals
For the Kings, the loss reinforced a troubling pattern. Los Angeles fell to 12-5-13 in one-goal games this season. They remain among the league's lowest in regulation wins. Despite strong goaltending and extended power-play time, their execution remained inconsistent when the game was there for the taking.
Anaheim, meanwhile, continues to demonstrate growth. They are showing signs of a team that understands how to finish games the right way. The margin of victory was thin, but the process was solid. This distinction is becoming increasingly important as the season progresses.
