The Anaheim Ducks picked up a much-needed, gutsy win in overtime at the Columbus Blue Jackets, 4-3, Saturday night.
The Ducks found themselves in a spot they’ve been in many times this season — down one goal, trying to force overtime late. Unlike last game, a loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs where they were unable to find the equalizer, Anaheim defender Jackson LaCombe was able to pull off some late-game heroics to tie the score on Saturday.
He scored just seconds after the Ducks emptied their net with a slap shot from near the blue line, assisted by Troy Terry and Alex Killorn.
This is LaCombe's second game in a row with multiple points.
Killorn had a three-point night himself, including the overtime game winner.
“It’s been a long road trip. I think we’re all excited to get home. Whenever you can win the last one, especially one in overtime, it’s just a more fun plane ride home,” Killorn said.
The victory snaps a five-game losing streak for the Ducks, who at 11-14-4, still sit at the bottom of the Pacific Division.
Center Mason McTavish opened the scoring for Anaheim, which earned his 100th NHL point. As he scored, McTavish was whistled for goaltender interference, although there appeared to be contact from the Blue Jackets’ Ivan Provorov causing McTavish to make contact with the goaltender.
Nonetheless, Columbus scored their first goal of the game on the ensuing power play.
Just 34 seconds later, the Blue Jackets scored again, putting the Ducks behind.
However, Killorn’s first goal of the night tied the score nearly 14 minutes into the second period.
Columbus’ James van Riemsdyk put his team ahead once again, 3-2, with just under nine minutes remaining in the game.
Despite the Blue Jackets outshooting the Ducks 17-5 in the third period, the Ducks were able to find the equalizer, and ultimately, the overtime win.
Anaheim was playing without longtime defenseman Cam Fowler, who was traded earlier in the day — a move that somewhat eased a defensive logjam. Against Columbus, the Ducks paired three younger defensemen with three veterans — Pavel Mintyukov with Jacob Trouba, LaCombe with Radko Gudas and Brian Dumoulin with Olen Zellweger.
John Gibson started the game in net for the Ducks and saved 39-of-42 shots.
Next, the Ducks will return home to host the Winnipeg Jets — a team that’s 22-9-1 on the season and atop the Central Division — on Wednesday at 7 p.m.