UPDATE: The Anaheim Ducks decisively defeated the St. Louis Blues 4-1 on Monday night, with standout performances from Mason McTavish and Pavel Mintyukov, who each scored pivotal first-period goals. This victory marks a significant moment for the Ducks as they continue to build momentum in the season.
In a thrilling match held in St. Louis, McTavish opened the scoring just 6:33 into the first period, netting his sixth goal of the season. His teammate Mintyukov followed suit, scoring his second goal just under three minutes later, giving Anaheim a commanding 2-1 lead. The Ducks’ offensive pressure was relentless, and they managed to kill off all six power plays from the Blues, showcasing their defensive prowess.
St. Louis struggled with lineup changes, missing key forwards Jimmy Snuggerud and Alexey Toropchenko due to injuries. This forced Blues coach Jim Montgomery to dress seven defensemen and only 11 forwards, a decision that impacted their performance on the ice. Rookie forward Aleksanteri Kaskimaki was recalled from the AHL, but travel delays prevented him from making an immediate impact in the game.
The Ducks’ Leo Carlsson scored his 14th goal of the season at 5:58 in the third period, extending the lead to 3-1. Carlsson’s goal marked his third in just four games, further solidifying his role as a key player for Anaheim. Chris Kreider capped off the scoring with an empty-net goal, ensuring a comfortable victory for the Ducks.
“The team showed great resilience tonight,” said Ducks goalie Ville Husso, who made 22 saves in the game. “Killing those power plays was crucial for us.”
Jordan Kyrou managed to score for the Blues, marking his team-leading eighth goal of the season, but it was not enough to turn the tide. He found the net just 20 seconds after McTavish’s first goal, briefly giving the Blues hope of a comeback.
As the Ducks prepare for their next challenge, they will face the Utah team on Wednesday night, kicking off a crucial three-game homestand. With their recent performance, the Ducks are looking to build on this victory and continue their climb in the season standings.
This game serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NHL, with injuries and player performances playing pivotal roles in team success. Fans will be eagerly watching the Ducks as they aim to maintain their winning streak in the coming games.