In a thrilling encounter on March 5, 2023, the Anaheim Ducks secured a 4-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, marking a complete sweep of their three-game season series. Chris Kreider played a pivotal role, scoring two goals and showcasing his offensive prowess as the Ducks extended their winning streak to eight victories in ten games.
The match unfolded at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, where the Ducks quickly established a commanding lead. Kreider opened the scoring late in the first period, benefiting from a fortuitous bounce when a puck from Ryan Poehling deflected off his leg and into the net. He followed this up with his 19th goal of the season early in the second, deftly redirecting a shot past Adin Hill, who stopped 19 shots for Vegas.
The Ducks continued to apply pressure, and Cutter Gauthier added to their tally with his 24th goal, beating Hill at the near post. This marked Anaheim’s fifth power-play goal in five games, a testament to their improving special teams.
As the game progressed, the Golden Knights fought back. Mitch Marner capitalized on a fortunate deflection, scoring to reduce the deficit. Following Marner’s goal, Ivan Barbashev tapped home a loose puck in the crease after Lukas Dostal, who made 27 saves, failed to cover Jack Eichel’s shot. The Golden Knights dominated the third period, making a strong push for a comeback.
Despite their efforts, including a late goal from Tomas Hertl with just six seconds remaining, the Golden Knights could not overcome the Ducks’ early advantage. This defeat extended their losing streak to five games and marked a disappointing seven losses in eight outings.
The Ducks welcomed back two key players, with Troy Terry making his return after an 11-game absence due to an upper-body injury, and Mason McTavish returning after missing five games. This win not only boosted the Ducks’ confidence but also brought their fanbase to its feet, as they celebrated their eighth consecutive sellout at home.
Looking ahead, the Ducks will host the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday, while the Golden Knights will face the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday. With the Ducks now embarking on a nine-game homestand, they will aim to continue their momentum and climb higher in the standings.
