ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Anaheim Ducks triumphed over the Pittsburgh Penguins with a decisive 5-1 victory on Thursday evening, showcasing strong performances from Mason McTavish and Alex Killorn, both of whom scored twice.
Frank Vatrano also contributed to the scoreline, while Troy Terry and Jacob Trouba each added two assists, aiding the Ducks in breaking a four-game winless streak. Standout goaltender John Gibson impressed between the pipes, making 31 saves during the game.
For Pittsburgh, Michael Bunting managed to score on a power play, preventing a shutout despite the team’s struggles. Rickard Rakell, returning after a brief family-related absence, provided an assist during the match. Goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic tallied 29 saves but faced relentless pressure from the Ducks.
Historically, this game marked the Ducks’ seventh victory against the Penguins in their last 22 encounters since the 2013-14 season.
Examining key takeaways from the game, the Penguins found themselves unable to take the lead, suffering their fifth loss in seven games. Despite starting strong with several shots, they were unable to find the back of the net, as Gibson held firm. The Ducks took advantage of defensive lapses from Pittsburgh, continually pressuring Nedeljkovic throughout the match.
On the Ducks’ side, McTavish is showing significant improvement in his game. After a slow start with only five goals in his first 33 outings, he has turned it around with four goals and two assists in the last nine games since being shifted to the third line.
A crucial moment unfolded late in the second period when the Ducks held a slim 2-1 lead. Pittsburgh attempted to mount a comeback with a 3-on-2 rush, where Erik Karlsson seemed poised to score with a well-placed one-timer. However, Gibson’s quick reflexes allowed him to slide across the crease and make a stunning toe save, denying Karlsson the equalizer.
In terms of statistics, an impressive note is that the Ducks are now 18-0-2 when they score three or more goals in a game.
Looking ahead, the Penguins will continue their seven-game road trip in Seattle this Saturday, while the Ducks will close out their three-game homestand against Nashville on the same day.
