Mason McTavish scored the decisive shootout goal on Sunday, leading the Anaheim Ducks to a 3-2 win over the Calgary Flames. This victory extended Anaheim’s winning streak to five games and highlighted McTavish’s critical role as the team’s shootout specialist.
Ducks Strengthen Position Near Pacific Division Top
Cutter Gauthier contributed two goals for the Ducks, who have posted an impressive 12 wins in their last 14 contests. This surge moved Anaheim within a single point of the Vegas Golden Knights for first place in the Pacific Division, with the Ducks holding a game in hand. Goalie Lukas Dostal also played a key role, making 32 saves in regulation and overtime before surrendering just one shootout goal.
Details of the Shootout and Key Performances
McTavish patiently found an opening in the third shootout round to score the winning goal, contributing to Anaheim’s flawless 7-0 shootout record this season. Leo Carlsson also scored in the shootout effort. On the Flames’ side, Joel Farabee and Yegor Sharangovich each tallied goals during regulation. Calgary’s goalie Devin Cooley made 34 saves but fell short in the shootout.
Game Progress and Scoring Breakdown
After being shut out the previous night in Los Angeles, the Flames got an early boost when Farabee opened scoring mid-first period by redirecting a cross-ice pass from Ryan Lomberg. Gauthier equalized in the second period by chipping the puck off the goalie’s back, tying the game at 1-1.
Sharangovich gave Calgary a second lead with a power-play goal at 16:10 of the second, ending an eight-game goal drought with a precise, bar-down shot from the right circle. Gauthier responded for Anaheim with his 28th goal of the season, leveling the score again on a power-play one-timer in the third period.
Impact of the Win for Anaheim Ducks
This win not only extends the Ducks’ streak but also strengthens their contention for the top spot in the Pacific Division. Their ability to perform under pressure in shootouts and maintain consistent scoring from players like McTavish and Gauthier underscores their resilience. With games still left to play, Anaheim looks poised to challenge the Vegas Golden Knights for division supremacy.
