Canadiens Lose to Ducks in Wild Game: Anaheim Recap & Analysis

ANAHEIM, Calif. – The Anaheim Ducks continued their impressive run, securing a 6-5 shootout victory over the Montreal Canadiens Friday night at Honda Center. Chris Kreider was the catalyst for the Ducks, finishing the night with a goal and three assists, while Alex Killorn scored the decisive goal in the sixth round of the shootout.

The win pushes Anaheim to 35-24-3 on the season, reclaiming first place in the Pacific Division. It’s a remarkable turnaround for a team that has won seven of its last eight games. The Canadiens, now 33-18-10, fell to 1-1-2 coming out of the Olympic break, a frustrating result after battling back into contention.

Kreider’s performance was particularly crucial, capped off by a tying goal with just 42 seconds remaining in regulation. With Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal pulled for an extra attacker, Kreider deflected a shot into the net, sending the game to overtime and ultimately the shootout.

“It’s decent to come up with two points,” Kreider said. “I reckon that’s one of those games coaches don’t enjoy but fans do, right? So, exciting game, but some things People can definitely do better going forward.”

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading goals throughout. Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlsson, and Jackson LaCombe also scored for the Ducks, while Lane Hutson, Nick Suzuki, Alexandre Carrier, and Cole Caufield (twice) found the back of the net for Montreal. Jacob Trouba added two assists for Anaheim, contributing to the offensive surge.

Lukas Dostal was solid in net for the Ducks, making 23 saves and stopping five of six shootout attempts. Sam Montembeault, the Canadiens’ goaltender, also had a strong performance, stopping 28 shots.

Montreal had seized the lead midway through the third period, scoring three goals in a span of just 4:23. However, the Ducks refused to yield, with Kreider’s late equalizer forcing the game into overtime.

The Canadiens’ collapse after building a lead was a source of frustration for coach Martin St-Louis. “We found ourselves with the lead with five minutes to go and can’t close it out,” Caufield said. “It’s obviously something we’ve been preaching a lot. We’ve got to find ways to secure it done. It’s just pretty frustrating right now.”

St-Louis echoed that sentiment, stating, “It’s been another roller coaster game. We shoot ourselves in the foot again tonight. It’s becoming the norm a little bit. We’re stubborn. There are too many turnovers, and when you play against a fast team with skill, you pay the price.”

The shootout ultimately decided the contest, with Killorn netting the winning goal after a tense exchange of shots. The Ducks’ victory is a testament to their resilience and offensive firepower, while the Canadiens will need to address their late-game struggles if they hope to maintain their position in the Eastern Conference standings.

The game featured strong performances from several key players. For the Ducks, Carlsson and LaCombe both contributed a goal and an assist, showcasing the team’s developing young talent. On the Montreal side, Hutson had a goal and two assists, continuing his promising rookie season.

The win for Anaheim marks a significant moment in their season, solidifying their position at the top of the Pacific Division. The Canadiens, meanwhile, will look to rebound from this defeat as they continue their road trip. The loss is their second straight in California.