Denver – Frank Vatrano Scored three goals, and the Anaheim Ducks recorded a 5-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena on Thursday.
Adam Henrique And Mason McTavish scored with a lead of 24 seconds in the third period, and John Gibson He made 41 saves for the Ducks (15-29-5), who have won three of their past four games and finished 3-2-1 in a six-game road trip.
“This was a huge game for us,” said Anaheim coach Dallas Eakins. “I’m not sure about them, but we spoke before the game [how] We don’t have to beat these guys four times in two weeks. We just have to beat them tonight, and that was going to be our measuring stick.
“We wanted to be above . 500 on this wild ride. We managed to make it happen. But I think the biggest thing is our team beat the Stanley Cup champions, and we had to do that with a lot of sandpaper and hard work and our guys should be proud of that.”
Mikko Rantanen scored twice, and Samuel Gerrard He had a goal and an assist for the Avalanche (26-18-3), who won six straight. Pavel Francoz Made 27 saves.
“I really liked the first two periods,” Colorado coach Jared Bednar said. “There are certain habits that creep into our game, whether it’s five minutes, 10 minutes, or 15 minutes. I just don’t like being worked up for stretches that cost you hockey games, and that’s how it was.
“Let’s call it what it is; the intensity they came out with early in the third period and what we got away with was nothing comparable. If you look back, it wouldn’t surprise you that you let the game slip, and we’re in a season of great depths now for that to happen.”
Video: ANA @ COL: Vatrano scores 3 goals against Avalanche
Rantanen scored on a rebound to give the Avalanche a 1-0 lead at 3:56 of the first period.
Vatrano tied the game at 1-1 at 9:46 on his rebound from the left standoff circle.
The first was a good transition from Cam [Fowler]Quick, Vatrano said. “We talk about moving all the time, and we’re lucky enough to have a great recovery and put him through it.”
Gerard put Colorado ahead 2-1 at 1:13 of the second period after a cross-ice feed from Nathan McKinnon.
Rantanen extended the lead to 3-1 at 16:09 with a one-timer from Gerrard in the right circle.
Gerrard has three points (1 goal, two assists) in his last two games.
“I really like the intensity of Sam’s playing lately,” Bednar said. “Like his defense; he’s strong, he’s quick, he’s got a big stick. Tonight, he was involved offensively. A big difference maker for us tonight.”
Vatrano cut the score to 3-2 at 18:37 when he smashed it past Francoz into the right corner.
Henrique tied it 3-3 at 9:42 of the third on a tap-in Troy Terry On the edge of the crease, McTavish gave Anaheim a 4-3 lead with a wrist shot over the left circle at 10:06.
Video: ANA @ COL: Ducks score two goals in 24 seconds, lead
Vatrano completed his hat-trick with a goal into an empty net at 19:10 for the final 5-3.
“It’s been a long wild ride, and a great way to end it,” said Gibson. “In the last period we just wanted to go out there, give it our all and we were able to fight hard enough and get the result we wanted. It was a good match. We were kind of flexible throughout the journey and found ways to win. It wasn’t the nicest win, But it’s a big win for our group.”
Notes: The Ducks lead in the NHL with four multiple third-period returns. … Henrik extended his point streak to six games (five goals and four assists). …Anaheim Defenseman John Klingberg 21:13 played after missing one game due to illness. Defender ducks Kevin Shattenkirk He didn’t play day in and day out after blocking a shot during a 5-2 win over the Arizona Coyotes on Tuesday. … Avalanche Defender Cal Makar He caught an assist in 26:12 of ice time after missing four games due to an undisclosed injury. … Colorado forward Matt Neto He was a plus-1 with two shots in 13:51 of ice time after being acquired from the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday. … The Avalanche played without a forward Valery Nichochkin due to an upper body injury. It is day by day. … Colorado forward Dennis Malgin He had an assist and one shot on goal at 8:03 after missing nine games with an upper body injury.