It’s getting to that points in the season where seedings are becoming easier to see in the NHL.
And at this point, the Anaheim Ducks are fading as they lost their seventh straight Friday night, this time, 3-2, to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Nate Schmidt had a goal in Vegas’ win Friday night – file photo courtesy of Lewis Bleiman
Conversely, the Knights are moving up the Pacific Division ladder and making the early start to their season a distant memory.
Max Pacioretty struck for the game-winner in the middle frame; it was his game back since injured.
“We made life hard on their [defensemen],” Pacioretty said. “You could see times when they were just doing whatever they could to get the puck out of their end. Ultimately, I think that wore them down and helped us win the game.”
Marc-Andre Fleury made 25 saves in net for the win.
Daniel Sprong and Carter Rowney scored for the Ducks who dropped to 19-16-7.
“We just haven’t found any rhythm,” Ducks forward Ryan Getzlaf said. “We have to find it as a group to play consistently throughout a whole hockey game.”
Anaheim is 0-5-2 in their last seven.
“We scored a couple goals and we get everything going our way,” Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said. “We’re feeling pretty good about ourselves and then we start turning the puck over.”
The Ducks have had issues holding leads and scoring when they need a strike to blint the opposition.
“Our finish has got to improve, especially in these tight games. Difference-makers have to make the difference for us,” Carlyle lamented after the game.
Tomas Nosek and Nate Schmidt scored for the Golden Knights.
“We had a couple lapses tonight, obviously, but we played outstanding hockey most of the game, a lot of shots on net tonight. Gibson and Fleury were both real good in the net, so I’m happy with the two points,” Vegas head coach Gerard Gallant said after the win.
[WATCH: All Golden Knights vs. Ducks highlights]
John Gibson made 39 saves in the loss.
“The first period was one where we watched them do the things that they’re very good at, and we really didn’t get involved in the game physically,” Carlyle said. “For whatever reason, they were quicker, faster, executed at a higher level than us.”
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