Ducks Secure 19th Comeback Victory with Shootout Win Against Canadiens
In a thrilling contest on Friday night, the Anaheim Ducks secured a dramatic 6-5 victory against the Montreal Canadiens, highlighted by Chris Kreider’s tying goal with just 42 seconds remaining in regulation and Alex Killorn’s decisive score in the sixth round of the shootout.
Kreider’s performance was exceptional, matching his career high with four points. Despite relinquishing a two-goal lead in the third period, the Ducks celebrated their seventh win in eight games. Cutting through the excitement, Cutter Gauthier also contributed significantly, scoring in the shootout alongside Leo Carlsson, who recorded a goal and an assist.
This victory marks the Ducks’ perfect record in shootouts this season, improving to 8-0, although they faced challenges against Montreal, converting only two of their six shootout attempts. Notably, Mason McTavish fell short in his first missed attempt of the season after five successful rounds.
Radko Gudas and Jackson LaCombe also found the net for the Ducks, while goaltender Lukas Dostal made 23 saves, showing resilience particularly during the shootout. This win signified the Ducks’ 19th comeback victory, tying them with Montreal for the NHL lead.
Montreal saw Cole Caufield net two of their three goals in the third period, with Lane Hutson adding a goal and two assists. Goaltender Samuel Montembeault made 28 saves for the Canadiens, who have struggled recently, losing four of their last six games.
Gauthier began the game with a quick goal just 33 seconds in, marking his seventh goal in the five games since returning from the Olympic break. Nick Suzuki responded shortly after, ensuring his fifth consecutive season with 20 goals.
Following Gudas’s opening goal since November 19, Carlsson scored his 21st early in the third period with a clever pass from Kreider. However, Caufield added his 36th and 37th goals of the season, with Alexandre Carrier scoring the tying goal with just over eight minutes left in the game before Kreider’s timely redirect capped the night.
The Ducks managed to survive a four-on-three disadvantage in overtime due to a tripping penalty assessed to Olen Zellweger. Notably absent was new defenseman John Carlson, who had just been traded from Washington in a move aimed at strengthening the Ducks for a playoff push. Montreal opted to retain their roster as the trade deadline passed.
Looking ahead, the Ducks will face the St. Louis Blues at Honda Center on Sunday.
