Ducks 53-shot effort leads to 7-1 win over Blackhawks – The Hockey Writers NHL News Latest news, analysis and more

The Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks faced off in a highly anticipated matchup.

Considering the last time these two teams faced off in Chicago on Nov. 30, where the Blackhawks overcame a 3-0 deficit to beat the Ducks 5-3, both teams were looking forward to another battle.

The Ducks were coming off a 4-3 shootout win against the Washington Capitals on December 5, while the Blackhawks were coming off a second half of a back-to-back after losing 6-0 to the Los Angeles Kings on December 6.

It was Anaheim who continued their winning ways, taking a 7-1 win.

Summary of the game

The Ducks controlled the opening frame as they defeated Chicago 17-6. Blackhawks goalie Arvid Soderblom had some saves, but it was defenseman Jacob Trouba who opened the scoring at 1-0 for the Ducks after Ilya Mikheyev turned the puck over. Both teams had too many men on the ice, and Frank Nazar also had a hooking penalty near the end of the period, but both teams came out perfect with their penalty kills.

In the second period, the Ducks continued their dominance, outscoring the Blackhawks 26-7 in the period. Mason McTavish made it 2-0 on a power play goal from a high-stick penalty from Connor Murphy. Then Beckett Sennecke made it 3-0. Alex Killorn made it 4-0, followed by Leo Carlsson made it 5-0. The Ducks also got another power play opportunity thanks to a Louis Crevier game delay penalty that carried over into the third period.

With time left for the Crevier penalty to start the third period, Leo Carlsson scored his second goal of the evening to make it 6-0. The Blackhawks showed some life when Ryan Strome took a hooking penalty. Tyler Bertuzzi scored seconds on the Blackhawks’ power play to make it 6-1. Artyom Levshunov took a high penalty that the Blackhawks successfully finished.

To cap off the Ducks’ scoring explosion, Frank Vatrano made it 7-1 with less than two minutes remaining, further declaring victory for Anaheim. Anaheim defeated Chicago 53-20 in a disjointed performance by the Blackhawks.

What’s next?

The Blackhawks will look to turn the page at home against the New York Rangers on December 10. Meanwhile, the Ducks will embark on a five-game road trip, starting with the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 9.