By Anthony Sevilla
EBC British Columbia Bureau
VANCOUVER (Eagle News) – The Anaheim Ducks began their final road trip at Rogers Arena and earned a 5-4 victory over the Vancouver Canucks.
Anaheim’s rookie Sam Steel led the team in scoring and recorded his first career NHL hat trick. Steel became the youngest player in franchise history to record a hat trick, surpassing former Ducks player, Bobby Ryan. Steel was called up from the San Diego Gulls of the American Hockey League, due to a lower body injury from Ducks’ captain, Ryan Getlaf.
Steel gave his thoughts on his achievement, and his expectations while joining the team.
“It’s pretty special to accomplish that, and to do it in a win is even better. There were nerves, but luckily I got past that,” said Steel. “At start of the year, it’s not like I came in expecting to put up huge numbers, but I wanted to produce, and I don’t think I was living up to what was expected. I am feeling more confident now and think I can produce at this level.”
Vancouver fell short in the final minutes of the final period and were unable to push the game into overtime. Despite the Canucks leading 2-1 at the end of the 1st period, they gave up two unanswered goals in the second. The Canucks outshot Anaheim 32-24, but sloppy play on defense led to a goal on the penalty shot four goals given up on just 24 shots on net.
The Canucks loss to the Ducks was their third straight loss this season and will try to snap their three-game skid at home against the Los Angeles Kings.
Despite the win for Anaheim, the Ducks were eliminated from playoff contention by the Arizona Coyotes after their win over the Chicago Blackhawks. The Ducks still look to end their road trip on a positive note, against the Edmonton Oilers and the top-seeded Calgary Flames.
(Eagle News Service)
