Ducks Edge Avalanche in Shootout Thriller

In a tightly contested matchup, the Anaheim Ducks defeated the Colorado Avalanche 2-1 in a shootout on January 22, 2026, at Ball Arena. This victory marked a significant moment in the season, as it allowed the Ducks to take the lead in their series against the Avalanche, now standing at 2-1 in favor of Anaheim.

The game was notable not only for its outcome but also for the context it provided. The Avalanche entered the contest with an impressive home record of 34-5-9, while the Ducks, with a record of 26-21-3, sought to capitalize on a recent surge in form. The Ducks had won their last four games leading into this match, showcasing a scoring average of 2.9 goals per game, although they had also allowed an average of 3.8 goals during that stretch. In contrast, the Avalanche had a recent home record of 6-4, averaging 4.2 goals scored and 2.7 allowed in their last ten games, indicating they were a formidable opponent at home.

Both teams had their share of challenges, particularly the Ducks, who were missing several key players due to injuries. Nick Jensen, Petr Mrazek, Troy Terry, Drew Helleson, and Ryan Poehling were all sidelined, which forced Anaheim to adapt their strategy. Despite these setbacks, the Ducks managed to find ways to win, demonstrating resilience and depth in their roster.

The match began with a scoreless first period, but the Ducks struck first in the second period when Jeffrey Viel scored a wrist shot goal, assisted by Cutter Gauthier and Radko Gudas, giving Anaheim a 1-0 lead. The Avalanche responded in the third period, with Artturi Lehkonen netting a goal of his own, leveling the score at 1-1 with assists from Brock Nelson and Brent Burns.

As the game progressed into a shootout, tensions rose. Mikael Granlund scored for the Ducks, putting them ahead, while Cutter Gauthier added another goal, sealing the victory for Anaheim. The shootout showcased the pressure both teams faced, with the Avalanche unable to convert their chances.

In terms of betting, DraftKings had priced the Avalanche as heavy favorites with odds of -355 on the money line, while the Ducks were listed at +280. The spread was set at -1.5 for Colorado, and the total goals over/under was 6.5, reflecting expectations for a high-scoring affair. However, the final score of 2-1 indicated that the game did not meet those offensive expectations.

The weather conditions during the game were not detailed, but the atmosphere at Ball Arena was electric, as fans witnessed a competitive matchup between two teams with contrasting recent performances. The Avalanche, despite their loss, have shown they can score heavily at home, while the Ducks have demonstrated they can win even when under pressure and missing key players.

Overall, this game was a testament to the unpredictability of the NHL, with the Ducks overcoming adversity to secure a crucial win. Fans should continue to watch for how both teams adapt moving forward, particularly the Avalanche as they look to bounce back and the Ducks as they aim to maintain their winning streak.