Relatively speaking, this was a night brimming with good news for the Anaheim Ducks.
As per usual for their so-far disastrous season, there’s still a hiccup in an otherwise promising evening.
Let’s consider the good first:
- Ryan Getzlaf responded to his latest round of self-criticism with a goal, and this one even came with a goalie in the net. His previous lone goal was an empty-netter. You can watch that triumphant moment in the video above.
- Corey Perry enjoyed a strong night of his own, scoring two goals, including the game-winner. He’s been more productive (and healthier) than Getzlaf this season, yet just about every Ducks player has faced a bump in the road.
- That previous point spoiled this, but the Ducks got the win by way of a 4-2 score against the Philadelphia Flyers. (Apparently they’re used to succeeding against Philly.)
- Anaheim carried the shots battle and might just have their “guy” in net, at least as much as this goalie-fickle franchise ever does ...
Rest of blue line answered the bell after losing Fowler. And while BB may not say it, it's John Gibson's net.
— Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) December 28, 2015
That said, it’s not all good news. Anaheim faces an upcoming three-game road trip, and they’re at risk of doing so without Cam Fowler, who was injured during Sunday’s win.
INJURY ALERT: Cam Fowler (lower-body injury) will not return to tonight's game.
— Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) December 28, 2015
There wasn’t much of an update regarding Fowler’s condition following the game.
Not surprisingly, Boudreau had no update on Fowler. Here's guessing Shea Theodore is getting a call about now.
— Curtis Zupke (@curtiszupke) December 28, 2015
No doubt, that’s a bummer. Even so, the Ducks might just have to take what they can get, and tonight provided a win and maybe a boost in confidence for their captain.
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Put this moment in the comic relief section:
#GottaSeeIt - Party in the penalty box! Standing room only in the sin bin for the Flyers. https://t.co/KdHcY6lBkI pic.twitter.com/5wEyYsLR4z
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 28, 2015