Leo Carlsson’s overtime heroics led the Anaheim Ducks to their ninth consecutive home opener win, defeating the Utah Hockey Club 5-4. The game was a thrilling back-and-forth affair, with Clayton Keller putting Utah ahead 4-3 in the third period before Pavel Mintyukov tied it up for Anaheim. Carlsson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 draft, then sealed the deal with a goal just 54 seconds into overtime off a pass from Troy Terry.
This win marks a significant milestone for the Ducks, who have now won nine straight home openers. Robby Fabbri and Troy Terry also contributed to the victory, with Fabbri scoring his first goal since joining Anaheim and Terry netting his second goal of the season. Goalie Lukas Dostal made 26 saves to secure the win for Anaheim.
Despite the loss, Utah showed strong offensive prowess, with Keller and Barrett Hayton both tallying their fourth goals of the season. Jack McBain and Michael Kesselring also found the back of the net for Utah. Goalie Connor Ingram made 29 saves in a losing effort as Utah’s defense struggled to contain Anaheim’s attack.
Looking ahead, Utah will host Boston in their next game, while Anaheim will face off against Colorado. Both teams will be looking to build on their performances and continue their push for success in the upcoming games.
Anaheim’s power play has been a point of concern, going 0 for 11 to start the season. This is an area they will need to focus on improving moving forward to maintain their winning momentum.
The Ducks have not made the playoffs in six consecutive seasons, but their strong start to this season has given fans hope for a turnaround. The sellout crowd at Honda Center for the home opener reflects the excitement and support surrounding the team as they aim to break their playoff drought.
Overall, the Ducks’ victory over the Utah Hockey Club was a thrilling and hard-fought contest that showcased the talent and determination of both teams. With the season just beginning, there is much anticipation and excitement for what lies ahead for both Anaheim and Utah in the competitive world of NHL hockey.
