After scoring two consecutive goals to tie the score, the Anaheim Ducks ultimately lost to the Utah Hockey Club, 3-2, on the road Wednesday night.
The Ducks were outshot by Utah 39 to 21, including a nine-shot margin in the first period.
Even with the loss, the Ducks are still in the hunt for a playoff spot — though with each loss the possibility becomes less likely.
Anaheim’s lost four of their five last games, with three of the losses coming against Western Conference teams also vying for a playoff spot.
They currently sit at sixth place in the Pacific Division and are eight points out of a wild card playoff spot. There are 17 games left in the season.
Utah, who the Ducks beat twice earlier this season, currently sits six points ahead of Anaheim in the standings.
Ville Husso — who was acquired from the Detroit Red Wings last month — made his Ducks debut in net on Wednesday. He recorded 36 saves.
Goal scorers for the Ducks include Alex Killorn and Mason McTavish, and Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Trevor Zegras and Jackson LaCombe picked up assists.
In the first 25 minutes of game time, the Ducks found themselves down by a pair of goals.
Nine minutes into the first period, Utah center Jack McBain scored the team’s first goal, tipping in a shot assisted by Ian Cole and Josh Doan.
Utah forward Alexander Kerfoot extended the lead 14 minutes until the second period, with a snap shot assisted by Dylan Guenther and Barrett Hayton.
Ducks forward Killorn found the back of the net to get the game within a goal less than two minutes later with a snap shot.
McTavish then scored a power play goal to tie the score three minutes into the third period. Anaheim has the second worst power play in the league, capitalizing on just 12.9% of their attempts.
Guenther scored four minutes later to put Utah up 3-2.
After clearing the net, the Ducks were unable to find the equalizer, with not much puck possession after the net was emptied.
Next, the Ducks will take on the Nashville Predators — a team that’s 25-32-7 for 57 points on the season — on Friday.
Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. at Honda Center.