Ducks Bounce Back with Thrilling Overtime Win Over Jets
Ducks Secure Thrilling OT Victory Over Jets
The Anaheim Ducks edged the Winnipeg Jets 5-4 in a thrilling overtime clash on Friday night, thanks to a decisive goal by Chris Kreider just 4:47 into the extra period. Kreider capitalized on a rebound, deftly backhanding the loose puck past Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck at the side of the net.
The game featured a dramatic third period where the Ducks surged ahead, following goals from Leo Carlsson, Pavel Mintyukov, and Ryan Poehling, who combined to give Anaheim a 4-3 lead. However, Kyle Connor of Winnipeg found the net with just 1:22 remaining, tying the score as Hellebuyck had been pulled for an extra attacker.
Hellebuyck, who made 35 saves in the match, was making his first appearance since helping the United States secure Olympic gold. For the Ducks, Jacob Trouba also scored, and Beckett Sennecke contributed significantly with three assists. Goaltender Lukas Dostal recorded 29 saves.
With this victory, the Ducks extended their home winning streak to seven games and have now won 11 of their last 13 outings. They achieved their ninth multi-goal comeback of the season, a feat matched by no other team this year.
The Ducks’ recent success follows their prior victory against the Edmonton Oilers, which marked coach Joel Quenneville’s 1,000th career win, making him only the second coach in NHL history to reach that milestone.
The Jets, still battling for a playoff position, saw rookie defenseman Elias Salomonsson score his first NHL goal, while Alex Iafallo and Gabriel Vilardi also contributed goals. Winnipeg faces a challenging schedule ahead, with a game remaining on a three-game trip before embarking on an eight-game homestand.
Looking forward, the Ducks will host the Calgary Flames at Honda Center this Sunday as they continue their push for postseason contention.
