By Pete Zarustica/Garden Grove Journal
As evidence the Anaheim Ducks have found their footing, even their losses show improvement. Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat by the Dallas Stars came on a disputed goal.
The loss dropped Anaheim to 10-8-2, still two ponts behind the Kings in the NHL Pacific Division
The Ducks have been one of the National Hockey League’s most streaky teams this year, stumbling through October into the deep reaches of Western Conference, then catching fire and vaulting, briefly, into a tie for first in the Pacific Division.
After a 5-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks on Oct. 30, the Ducks reeled off six wins in a row, culminating in a 4-2 win over the Dallas Stars on Friday at Honda Center. Anaheim had its streak snapped Sunday in Chicago, losing 3-2 to the Black Hawks but nonetheless picking up a point, since the loss was in overtime.
Speaking of the Ducks’ six-game run, coach Randy Carlyle said “It’s one of those things that goes hand in hand. When you win, you gain confidence and when you have confidence, it’s easier to win. It’s like the chicken and the egg – which comes first? We’ve clawed ourselves back into respectability. That’s all it is.”
The Ducks visited the Minnesota Wild Wednesday night (results too late for our deadline), then will host the Columbus Blue Jackets Friday in Anaheim. On Sunday the Edmonton Oilers come to town.
