Ducks vs Flames clash ends in dramatic shootout as Cutter Gauthier scores twice and Anaheim extends home dominance in NHL action.
Anaheim Ducks extended their home dominance Sunday night, edging the Calgary Flames 3-2 in a tense shootout that showcased both resilience and finishing flair. The spotlight belonged to Cutter Gauthier, who scored twice in regulation before the Ducks sealed the result in the tiebreaker.
Anaheim’s eighth consecutive home victory did not come easily, but it reflected a team increasingly comfortable in tight games. With the win, the Ducks improved to an impressive 14-3 in contests decided beyond regulation, underlining their composure when margins shrink.
Gauthier Sets the Tone Early and Late
The Flames struck first midway through the opening period when Joel Farabee redirected a precise pass from Ryan Lomberg at the top of the crease. That early breakthrough gave Calgary a 1-0 advantage and briefly quieted the home crowd.
Anaheim answered in the second period through an inventive effort from Gauthier. After chasing down his own rebound behind the net, he attempted a creative flick that deflected off goaltender Devin Cooley’s left shoulder. The puck floated upward, dropped behind Cooley, and trickled across the line to level the score at 1-1. The unusual sequence energized the Ducks and shifted the game’s momentum.
Calgary, however, reclaimed control late in the period. Yegor Sharangovich capitalized on a power play opportunity, taking a crisp pass from Kevin Bahl before snapping a shot over Lukas Dostal’s blocker from the left circle. That strike restored the Flames’ lead heading into the final intermission.
Third-Period Push Forces Overtime
Anaheim refused to let the game slip away. With just over nine minutes remaining in regulation, Gauthier delivered again, rifling a shot from the right circle past Cooley’s left skate. The goal, his team-leading 28th of the season, tied the contest at 2-2 and set the stage for a dramatic finish. Beckett Sennecke and Jackson LaCombe each earned assists on the equalizer.
As the clock wound down, both teams tightened defensively. Calgary forward Morgan Frost was penalized for interference with less than 25 seconds remaining in overtime, handing the Ducks a brief 4-on-3 advantage. Despite the opportunity, Anaheim could not convert, and the outcome shifted to a shootout.
Shootout Seals Another Home Triumph
In the skills competition, Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish provided the decisive touches for Anaheim. McTavish’s attempt proved particularly clinical, as he slid the puck through Cooley’s legs to put the Ducks ahead. Dostal then closed the door by denying Matvei Gridin on Calgary’s final attempt, securing the victory with his 32nd save of the night.
Cooley finished with 34 saves for the Flames, who battled effectively but could not overcome Anaheim’s efficiency under pressure. The Ducks’ confidence in overtime and shootout scenarios continues to define their season, especially at home where momentum seems firmly on their side.
Milestone Moment Before Puck Drop
The evening also carried historical significance behind the bench. Anaheim coach Joel Quenneville was honored before the game after joining Scotty Bowman as the only coaches in NHL history to reach 1,000 career wins. The pregame ceremony added emotional weight to an already important matchup, and the Ducks responded with a performance worthy of the occasion.
As the regular season intensifies, Anaheim’s ability to remain steady in high-pressure moments could shape its playoff ambitions. Sunday’s victory offered more than two points; it reinforced a growing belief that this young roster knows how to close when it matters most.
