The Ducks lost a lead (again) to the Flames but this time they were able to stay in the game and ultimately won in the shootout, 3-2, thanks to Jonas Hiller.
The Anaheim Ducks allowed the Calgary Flames to hang in there, but ultimately made up for their mistakes with a win in an eight-round shootout, taking a 3-2 victory. Up 2-1, the Ducks were unable to convert on a lengthy 5-on-3 power play, keeping the Flames in the game, but Jonas Hiller stood out later on to give Anaheim the win.
The Ducks jumped to an early 2-0 lead after one period with two goals from Bobby Ryan and Matt Beleskey. They dominated zone time and puck control, but one little mistake and one time of poor coverage in their own end led to an Alex Tanguay goal to cut Anaheim's lead in half.
Now only down by one goal, the Flames seemed to have a little more jump in their step, but they couldn't sustain any pressure. Meanwhile, the Ducks were still cooking in Calgary's zone and were able to draw a few penalties, including 90 seconds to work on a 5-on-3. However, thanks to a few posts and some solid saves from Miikka Kiprusoff (who continued to be outstanding afterward), the exhausted Flames penalty killers were saved from going down further.
By the third period, Calgary slowly found its way into Anaheim's zone, and soon they had the bulk of the chances and shots. Luca Sbisa was aiming to make a hit on Tim Jackman as he was about to pass the Ducks' blueline, and as he makes his hit, Sbisa leads with his head, causing contact between Sbisa's helmet and Jackman's chin
Sbisa received a five-minute major for "head butting" and was also given a 10-minute misconduct.
Interestingly enough, the Flames started to play their best hockey of the game after the incident and Jarome Iginla stepped up to score a goal for the 2-2 tie.
After a hard-fought overtime period, the shootout showcased the goaltenders for both teams. It went to eight rounds, with Hiller coming out one better than Kiprusoff after Niklas Hagman scored and Hiller made a huge save, keeping the puck from squirting through the five-hole. This is the Flames' 14th straight loss at the Honda Center.
Calgary is now three points out of eighth place with 55 points. Anaheim is still 13th in the West, but are 7-2-1 in their last 10 games.
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