ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Anaheim Ducks showcased their strength on March 9, 2025, defeating the New York Islanders 4-1 at Honda Center, with Sam Colangelo leading the charge by scoring two goals. This win marked a pivotal moment for the Ducks as they seek to climb back up the standings.
Colangelo opened the scoring with just 2:08 left in the first period, receiving a brilliant pass from Mason McTavish before firing it past Islanders goalie Marcus Hogberg. The Ducks solidified their position with additional goals from Drew Helleson and McTavish, who also contributed significantly to the team's offensive efforts during the game.
Desperate for points, the Ducks played one of their most complete games this season, managing to maintain the lead by scoring consistently throughout each period. With this performance, they nipped at their two-game slump, now moving just seven points behind Calgary for the last available playoff spot.
Lukas Dostal was impressive between the pipes, stopping 31 shots and almost achieving his second shutout of the season before allowing Tony DeAngelo's goal late in the game with just under five minutes remaining. “We’re desperate for points. Both teams are because the Islanders are right in the race, too,” Ducks coach Greg Cronin said, emphasizing the importance of this game for their playoff hopes.
After Colangelo's first goal, Helleson found the back of the net 5:04 before the second intermission, giving the Ducks a commanding 2-0 lead. This was Helleson's third goal of the season, underscoring the depth of the squad, as seven players under 23 recorded points during the game – all eight players with points being 25 or younger. It was evident the Ducks were building for the future, showcasing talent well under the normal league age.
Colangelo added his second goal early in the third period, securing the win with an empty net strike just 8:18 minutes after McTavish scored, extending their lead to 3-0. Remarkably, this goal concluded Colangelo’s four-game streak where he has scored five times, bringing his total goals this season to six.
Reflecting on the game, Colangelo attributed part of their success to his teammates, saying, “Playing with two top-five picks, there was a reason they were both drafted so high. They’re both unbelievable players.” This speaks volumes not only about his respect for McTavish and Cutter Gauthier but also highlights the chemistry they have developed on the ice.
The Islanders entered the game with high hopes after winning four of their last five games. The Ducks managed to silence their offense and effectively controlled the pace throughout much of the match. Despite outshooting the Ducks 16-8 in the third period, they found themselves unable to capitalize, with Dostal making several key saves to deny potentially dangerous chances.
The Islanders’ offense struggled to find rhythm. Their noteworthy chances, such as Adam Pelech’s near-miss during what would have been a shorthanded rush early in the third period, illustrated their frustrations against the Ducks’ solid defense. After the rush failed, the Ducks broke out quickly, setting up McTavish's powerful shot for the third goal.
It was clear from the outset of the match, as the Ducks consistently pressured their opponents, generating attack through swift transitions and combining their young talent effectively. Even prior to the goals scored, the rapid pace hinted at how they leaned on their younger players for their potential.
Former Duck Kyle Palmieri also shared insights post-game, reflecting on how the Islanders' performance was deflated compared to the Ducks', which emphasized their struggles: “It was bad start, not a great middle and a push too little and too late.” His perspective encapsulates the disappointing night for the Islanders.
Now, the Ducks are set to face the Washington Capitals on March 11, 2025, and will be reinforced by this momentum as they look to continue climbing the standings, buoyed by the performance of Colangelo, Dostal, and their younger roster. Indeed, maintaining this level of play will be key as they approach what promises to be a competitive stretch run, with the pressure mounting as the playoffs approach.