Anaheim Ducks Fall To Chicago Blackhawks In Shut Out

Photo by Michael Reeves for Getty Images

The Anaheim Ducks faced off against the Chicago Blackhawks for the first time this season on Thursday night. This was one of the most anticipated match-ups of the year for both franchises as it was the first time that the first overall draft pick of the 2023 NHL draft, Connor Bedard, would go up against the second overall pick, Leo Carlsson. The game ultimately resulted in a shut-out loss for the Ducks, as they fell 1-0 in Chicago. The Blackhawk’s victory was primarily due to the spectacular goal-tending performance of Petr Mrazek, who stopped all 37 of Anaheim’s shots. The Ducks’ net-minder, Lukas Dostal, was able to block 24 out of 25 of the Hawks’ shots, and he was able to glove down several lethal shot attempts from Bedard.

The Chicago Blackhawks currently reside at the bottom of the league standings, and their win over Anaheim on Thursday was only their fourth win on home ice. The Blackhawks and the Ducks are in similar phases of their rebuilds, and both teams ran a close campaign for the first overall draft pick in the 2023 draft.

In a recent interview, Anaheim Ducks head coach Greg Cronin stated that he would like to see his team average 40 shots on goal per game and hopes that an increase in scoring attempts will allow them to capitalize on rebounds. Anaheim has struggled with their offensive production all season. This detrimental struggle was noticeable during their 60 minutes at The United Center earlier this week, as Anaheim only found the back of their opponent’s net once whilst taking 37 shots. Without top point producers like Trevor Zegras and Mason McTavish in the line-up, Anaheim continues waiting for expected production from first-line forward Troy Terry.

The Ducks continue to demonstrate a lack of consistency as they spend excessive time in the penalty box and struggle to play a 60-minute game. Additionally, Anaheim has only found themselves on the scoresheet ahead of their opponent in 6 out of their 26 games played so far. Although the Ducks have faced an unfortunate bout of injuries to first-line contributors early on in the season, as 2023 comes to a close, it is crucial that the team recognizes their shortcomings and puts in the work to adapt a sustainable style of play.

Episode 130: Z You Later Late Arrivals: An Anaheim Ducks Podcast

Hooooo boy, what a week. The guys are joined by a special guest for this episode of LAP! The guys and Chad (@anacalling_fhf) cover the absolutely baffling Trevor Zegras trade and the understandable fallout in the Ducks Fandom. Chad lays out everything you need to know about what the Ducks could be doing with the 10th Overall pick at the Draft. As always, they finish the episode by answering listener questions! Follow Late Arrivals  Twitter: @latearrivalspod Instagram: @latearrivalspod Follow the hosts Chris: @CJKChel Chad: @anacalling_fhf Jake: @_JRobles71 Louis: @Louiex37  Intro/ Outro done by Will Rice/ @pastorwillrice
  1. Episode 130: Z You Later
  2. Episode 129: Oops! All Cats
  3. Episode 128: Stir Them Beans
  4. Episode 127: The Ol' Meat Sweats
  5. Episode 126: Duck Pattern Baldness

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

Winnipeg Jets Extend Haydn Fleury for Two Years

The Winnipeg Jets announced earlier Saturday morning that they’ve extended defenseman Haydn Fleury on a two-year contract worth $950,000 annually. Fleury, 28, signed a one-year deal worth $775,000 with the Winnipeg Jets in the 2024 NHL offseason and proved to be incredibly valuable to the Jets blueline. The 6-foot-4 defenseman posteed seven assists/points in 39 […]

Read More
Detroit Red Wings Acquire John Gibson From Anaheim Ducks

Detroit Red Wings Acquire John Gibson From Anaheim Ducks

Detroit Red Wings Acquire John Gibson From Anaheim Ducks

Read More
2025 NHL Entry Draft

With the 6th and 12th Overall Pick, the Philadelphia Flyers Select…

Following round one of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, the Philadelphia Flyers selected Porter Martone from the Brampton Steelheads at 6th overall, and Jack Nesbitt at 12th overall after trading their 22nd and 31st overall picks to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Porter Martone Related: 2025 NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Porter Martone Martone is an 18-year-old right-winger […]

Read More