For a while there, it looked like the Anaheim Ducks might manage yet another 1-0 win, even without John Gibson in the net.
That didn’t hold, however, as Chris Tanev ended the Ducks’ lengthy streak of perfect goaltending, and that essentially did the job, as the Vancouver Canucks managed a 2-1 shootout win.
Seriously, it had been quite a while since someone scored against the Ducks.
Ducks allow goal for first time since Dec 27th vs Philadelphia....207:58.
— John Shannon (@JShannonhl) January 2, 2016
The loss stings, but Anaheim continues to scrap its way into the future.
Yes, they lost, but the Ducks are now on a five-game point streak (3-0-2). Maybe even more promising: the Ducks will start an eight-game homestand on Sunday after a lengthy, largely successful road trip.
Vancouver takes plenty of positives out of this span beyond the obvious two standings points from this one.
The Canucks also scored a little personal pride win in defeating Kevin Bieksa and especially Ryan Kesler in their return to Vancouver. It got that much sweeter since Kesler clearly enjoyed scoring against Anaheim.
Ryan Kesler upping the storyline in Vancouver: "I've scored a lot of goals in this building, but that one was probably my favorite."
— John Shannon (@JShannonhl) January 2, 2016
Seeing the home team (“good guys”) win is always sweet, but it’s even better against a quality “villain” lik Kesler, right?