DETROIT, MI — The Anaheim Ducks claimed a hard-fought 4-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on Monday. Adam Henrique and Troy Terry led the way for the Ducks, each contributing a goal and an assist.
The Ducks (12-19-0) have found a semblance of form, winning back-to-back games following a tough stretch where they lost 13 of their previous 14 matches. Goalie Lukas Dostal was key to their success, making 29 saves, while Radko Gudas and Pavel Mintyukov also scored.
For the Red Wings (15-12-4), who are experiencing a rough patch with six losses in their last seven games, Alex DeBrincat stood out with two goals, and Patrick Kane and Shayne Gostisbehere each provided two assists. The Red Wings started with Ville Husso in goal, who made six saves before exiting with a lower-body injury, and James Reimer stepped in to make 12 saves in relief.
The Ducks took an early lead with Gudas scoring just over two minutes into the first period. Mintyukov doubled the advantage midway through the period, with a shot that deflected off Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin. Henrique’s power-play goal late in the first period increased the lead to 3-0.
Terry further extended the Ducks’ lead early in the second period, capitalizing on a rebound. Despite a strong start, the Ducks faced pressure in the latter stages of the game, particularly when the Red Wings’ Jeff Petry and DeBrincat scored to narrow the gap.
DeBrincat’s two power-play goals in the third period brought his NHL point tally to 400, adding a sense of urgency to the game’s closing minutes. However, the Ducks managed to hold on for the win, with Dostal nearly scoring a goal himself in the final moments.
Injuries were a concern for both teams, with Red Wings forward Klim Kostin leaving the game after a collision and Ducks goalie John Gibson absent due to an injury from the previous game.
The win is a morale booster for the Ducks, who have struggled this season but showed resilience and effectiveness in critical moments. The Red Wings, meanwhile, will look to regroup and address their recent difficulties as they continue their campaign. Both teams played with backup goalies, adding an extra layer of challenge to the matchup.
