Ducks @ Canadiens RECAP: The Tank Goes Harder

At this point, an embarrassing loss is almost expected. At least this one was less embarrassing than many of the ones before it.

The Montreal Canadiens handed the Anaheim Ducks their fifth straight loss, in what looks like the making of another historic losing streak. How many teams have had two franchise record-breaking losing streaks in the same season? The list can’t be long. We’re headed down that path.

Brendan Gallagher kicked things off for the Canadiens. Josh Manson handed the puck right to Jonathan Drouin bearing down on him who fed it to an uncovered Brendan Gallagher in the slot. He ripped it over the shoulder of Chad Johnson to give Montreal a 1-0 lead.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi, the 2018 third overall draft pick, scored his ninth goal and his third in three games (there’s definitely a theme here) to double the Habs lead.

It got worse in the first period for Anaheim when Gallagher tallied his second of the night after Getzlaf missed his assignment and allowed the winger to get a clean one-timer off and past Johnson. 3-0 Montreal.

The second period saw Anaheim improve their play slightly, going from 37.50 CF% to 44.74 CF% and allowing them to cut into the lead with some decent scoring chances, culminating in Ryan Getzlaf snapping an eight game goalless drought and giving Corey Perry his first point of the season on the assist.

Any hopes of breaking the losing streak were dashed, however, in the third period when Phillip Daunault squeaked a puck past Johnson. There was signal for a goal on the ice; Johnson looked like he had it under his pads. Upon further review, however, it was clear that the puck had just made it’s way over the line and behind Johnson’s leg. A quick review confirmed the fourth Canadiens goal and sealed the win.

The final stop of the Canadian road trip and the second to last stop on the road trip in general brings the Ducks to one of the few teams lower in the standings: the Ottawa Senators.

Best and Worst

Best: The Captain breaks his drought

It never feels good when your best offensive player hits a skid. Fortunately, Getzlaf hitting the back of the net to snap his scoring drought gave a little life to us all and seemed to inspire some confidence in the players. It obviously didn’t last, but it was fun for a few minutes.

Worst: Another losing streak building

Five in a row. Do the Ducks dare try and match the 12 they accomplished earlier this year? We’re going to find out!

Best: Draft lottery odds

The way this season is going, the Ducks are creeping closer and closer to the best draft lottery odds they’ve had since 2005. A lottery win would have huge ramifications for the Ducks in their attempt to build back towards being a contender.

3 Stars

3. Jesperi Kotkaniemi

2. Jonathan Drouin

1. Brendan Gallagher