2017 NHL Playoffs: Anaheim Ducks let game three slip away
![May 16, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson (36) wipes his mask during a stop in play in the second period in game three of the Western Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports May 16, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Anaheim Ducks goalie John Gibson (36) wipes his mask during a stop in play in the second period in game three of the Western Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/685672812a8f31487a3ef39d48bdffb1e96124183ec8dba7e4cda076b767da84.jpg)
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The Anaheim Ducks have attracted much attention in the 2017 NHL Playoffs.
The 2017 NHL Playoffs certainly have been interesting for the Ducks. There have been multiple games where they blew the lead and lost the game. However, there also have been some games where they blew the lead then regained the lead and won in comeback fashion.
It seems like the Anaheim Ducks gave game three of the Western Conference Finals away to the Predators. I say give away because they had a lead and then they gave up the game-winning goal to their opponents.
The game-winning goal was more disappointing and some may say even lucky. Initially, John Gibson saved the goal. Then the Predators got the rebound and scored. They scored because after Gibson was hit on the helmet, he was befuddled on which way to look for the puck. By the time he found the puck it was too late.
Anaheim is now down in the series two games to one. They are hoping to rebound from their game three loss and head home for game five with the series tied at two. The Ducks have bounced back throughout the 2017 NHL Playoffs, therefore this isn’t new to them.
https://twitter.com/AnaheimDucks/status/864918462107340800
Personally, I see the Ducks bouncing back from the game three giveaway. They had the game and allowed it to slip away. The Ducks would have won had their defense stepped up.
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Critics can blame one side of the team, but in essence, the whole team is at fault. On paper, the Ducks looked not good, but on ice, they were doing alright. Hence their early lead in the game.
The Ducks only had 20 shots on goal which is half of what the Predators had. Anaheim allowed too many shots on goal.
Also, they didn’t have much possession of the puck two less power plays. They had two power plays and didn’t have much penalty minutes which is great. They lost in the hits category with 24 to 32, but won int he blocks with 22 to 7.
Anaheim having more blocks int he game you would think they won, yet they lost. Why did the lose? Many say they gave the game away. Well hey literally did have more giveaways 13 to 10.
As I said the blame can go either way, but since its a team sport the entire team is at fault. We will see a more energetic, physical, quick, complete team in game 4.
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Anaheim is hoping to bounce back heading back to the Honda Center. Knowing the nature of the 2017 NHL Playoffs, we could be in for a wild ride.