Ducks Lose Palmieri and Shootout in Phoenix, 5-4

Final Score: Ducks 4, Coyotes 5 (SO)

First Period Recap: The Ducks wasted no time getting on the board when Saku Koivu found Andrew Cogliano to put the Ducks up 1-0 just 21 seconds into the game. The first period however would be marred by a dominating power play that couldn't connect despite 8 SOG's. The end result came in a momentum shift and a Phoenix goal. Even worse, after just 2:59 of ice time, Kyle Palmieri took a hit to the face from Raffi Torres and didn't return.

Second Period Recap: Phoenix finally broke the tie just past the mid-way point of the game, but that wouldn't last long. Within the next five minutes, Cogliano would score his second and third goal to cap off (haha) his second career hattie, both coming against the Phoenix Coyotes. The Ducks take a 3-2 lead into the locker room, but we all know that wouldn't last long.

Third Period Recap: To continue the early scoring trend, the Ducks get caught fumbling the puck right in front of the net and give up a goal just 18 seconds into the period to allow Phoenix to tie the game at 3. Another great showing on the power play for Anaheim and the second unit finds the back of the net when Saku Koivu would score with 6 seconds remaining on the man advantage. Protecting the lead, the Ducks get caught in their own end and can't clear the puck as Phoenix ties it 4-4.

Overtime: So many chances in the overtime session. Breakaways on both ends with great defensive plays. In the final two minutes the Ducks find themselves on the power play and they can't connect. On to the shootout!

Shootout:

Boedker: SAVE!

Bonino: Save

Sullivan: Score

Perry: Save

Korpikoski: Miss

Koivu: Save

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The Good: Normally I don't give a lot of credit to a power-play that isn't successful, but the Ducks' units have greatly improved. They're getting chances and actually taking a good number of shots. It's just too bad that their blown opportunities have lead to the opposition scoring. [Ed. Note: Ducks power play now second best in the league and only 0.40 behind St. Louis for the top spot. - JN]

The Bad: Third periods. It's been a bit of a trend with Anaheim lately and this game was no different. The first two periods are all Ducks hockey and then in the third period the gears change and so does the momentum.

The Ugly: The power play. I know, ironic, but when you've got a full two minutes to finish the game off in overtime, you've got to get it done. So while the units are improved, the final product still needs work. A score in those final moments and this game wouldn't have been lost in overtime.

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3rd Icehole: Ben Lovejoy. Just one of those nights where I found myself noticing him too much. It especially hurt when he fumbled the puck early in the third to give up the Coyotes third goal.

2nd Icehole: Bobby Ryan. Not because I think he had a particularly bad game, but just because I feel bad for him. Dude had so many opportunities that just didn't click. He was outright robbed by Mike Smith - dammit.

1st Icehole: Raffi Torres. Dude gets a ugly hit on Kyle Palmieri and then Palms is out for the remainder of the game. It forces Bruce Boudreau to shuffle the lines earlier than normal. And, Torres has been an icehole in the past.

Post-game Kyle Palmieri Update:

Boudreau said Palmieri (upper body) is day to day. "I think he should be fine." Team will rest tomorrow so we'll see on him Monday.

— Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) March 3, 2013

Next Game: Ducks @ Phoenix, Monday, Mar. 4 at 6:00pm PT