Ducks Edge Canadiens in Thrilling Shootout Victory

In a thrilling encounter at the Honda Center, the Anaheim Ducks triumphed over the Montreal Canadiens with a final score of 6-5 following a shootout. This victory marks the Ducks' second consecutive win against the Canadiens, having previously defeated them 3-2 in February 2025. The Ducks now lead the series 2-0, showcasing their ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

The Ducks entered this matchup with a home record of 34-24-3, while the Canadiens boasted an away record of 33-18-9. Anaheim had been in solid form at home, winning 7 of their last 10 games, including a recent 5-1 victory against the New York Islanders on March 5. Over their last five games, the Ducks averaged 4.0 goals scored per game and allowed 3.4, indicating a potent offense but a slightly vulnerable defense. In contrast, the Canadiens had a more mixed recent form, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games and a scoring average of 4.1 goals per game, while allowing 3.3.

The Ducks faced significant injury challenges, missing key players including Nick Jensen, Petr Mrazek, Troy Terry, Drew Helleson, and Ryan Poehling. These absences could have impacted their lineup, but the team managed to rise to the occasion. The Canadiens, while not detailed in the injury report, had to contend with the Ducks' depth and resilience.

The scoring in this game was dynamic, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the match. The Ducks initially took control, but the Canadiens fought back, with Cole Caufield scoring two goals in the third period, bringing his total to 37 for the season. The back-and-forth nature of the game kept fans on the edge of their seats, culminating in a shootout where the Ducks ultimately prevailed.

The market had priced the game closely, with DraftKings listing the Canadiens at -118 on the moneyline, while the Ducks were at -102. The total for the game was set at 6.5, reflecting expectations of a high-scoring affair, which ultimately proved accurate given the final score.

Conditions at the Honda Center were typical for a late-season NHL game, with both teams eager to secure points as they push towards the playoffs. The Ducks' ability to score under pressure, particularly in the shootout, highlighted their determination and skill.

As the Ducks continue their season, they will look to build on this victory while addressing their injury issues. The Canadiens, despite the loss, showed resilience and offensive firepower, indicating that they remain a competitive force in the league.