Date: November 9, 2025
Author: IHM Newsroom
Game Recap
The Anaheim Ducks delivered another statement performance, outlasting the Vegas Golden Knights 3-4 in overtime inside T-Mobile Arena. What looked early like a routine home win for Vegas quickly unraveled into a showcase of Anaheim’s fast transition game and the dominance of their emerging core.
Vegas struck first when Brett Howden redirected a feed from Karlsson and Hanifin at 05:47 to make it 1-0. But Anaheim answered late in the period as Frank Vatrano finished a clean passing sequence from Zellweger and Trouba, leveling the score at 1-1.
Second Period: Ducks Surge Takes Control
The middle frame belonged entirely to Anaheim. The Ducks punished Vegas on every mistake, winning races, stacking possession time, and forcing the Golden Knights to defend for extended stretches.
Leo Carlsson took over the game with two goals – a quick one at 10:39 and another at 16:50 – both driven by Anaheim’s aggressive puck movement and elite zone entries. Vegas struggled with discipline, taking multiple penalties and losing structure in their breakouts.
Through 40 minutes, Anaheim led 1-3 and looked fully in control.
Third Period: Vegas Fights Back
Vegas responded with urgency. Pavel Dorofeyev cut the deficit to 2-3 at 03:56 on a power play, finishing after a slick setup from Jack Eichel. The arena lifted, momentum flipped, and Anaheim got pinned in their own end.
At 14:53, Kaedan Korczak tied the game 3-3 after a heavy shift by the Marner-Barbashev line. The Golden Knights pushed hard for the winner, generating rush chances and back-to-back looks for Eichel and Marner.
Anaheim held on and forced overtime.
Overtime: Ducks Close It Out
OT lasted only 4:28. A broken play turned into a 2-on-1 for Anaheim, and Jacob Trouba buried the game-winner off a perfect pass from Carlsson, sealing a dramatic 3-4 victory for the Ducks.
IHM Verdict
Anaheim Ducks: A resilient, structured, confident team. Their young group doesn’t blink under pressure, and their transition pace is elite. They continue to look like a legitimate top-3 Pacific team.
Vegas Golden Knights: The quality is there, but the discipline is not. Penalties, sloppy breakouts, and late neutral-zone turnovers cost them a winnable game. Even at home, control slipped quickly once Anaheim started dictating pace.
Questions & Answers | IHM Performance Metrics
Why did Anaheim control most of the second period?
Anaheim’s controlled exits and clean entries overwhelmed Vegas. With Zellweger and LaCombe driving tempo, the Ducks consistently attacked Vegas in motion and created mismatches inside the offensive zone.
What changed for Vegas in the third period?
Vegas simplified their approach – direct entries, more inside-lane pressure, and increased shot volume from the Eichel line. Their forecheck finally disrupted Anaheim’s rhythm, creating turnovers and rebound chances.
What was the biggest deciding factor in overtime?
Anaheim executed with precision. One broken puck battle turned into instant transition, and their young core read the 2-on-1 perfectly. Trouba’s finish was clinical, but Carlsson’s patience created the moment.
Did penalties affect the game flow?
Yes – significantly. Vegas took several momentum-killing minors, especially in the second period, giving Anaheim full control. Anaheim stayed composed and capitalized on the extra ice.
How important was Leo Carlsson to Anaheim’s win?
Carlsson was dominant – two goals, an OT assist, strong puck touches, and elite reads. He controlled tempo in key moments and outplayed Vegas’ top centers shift-for-shift.
Signature: IHM Newsroom - The Fastest, Sharpest Hockey Coverage Worldwide
