Getzlaf feted, but Ducks fall
He is recognized for his 1,000th game before Chicago’s Kane scores in overtime.
CHICAGO 3 DUCKS 2 (OT)
Patrick Kane scored 24 seconds into overtime off a pass from Jonathan Toews, and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Ducks 3-2 on Sunday night to spoil the 1,000th game of Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf.
The longtime Ducks captain received a video board tribute midway through the first period that drew appreciation from both benches, as well as a standing ovation from the crowd at Honda Center.
“It was great,” Getzlaf said. “Obviously the crowd, this is our home building and I’ve been here a long time, and it was a very warm welcome. [I was] a little emotional during the game, and [it was] a little bit embarrassing. I’m not very good at those things, but it was great to see the family and having everybody here.”
Erik Gudbrandson and Nick Ritchie scored for the Ducks. Ryan Miller had 34 saves. It was just the second loss at home in eight games for the Ducks, who entered with three victories in their last four games.
Getzlaf ’s milestone game came two days after he scored the winner in overtime against the Vancouver Canucks.
“I think it has probably been a great privilege for everyone around here watching that young man grow up,” Ducks coach Dallas Eakins said of Getzlaf. “He has been given much by the organization, and he has given everything that he has back. To play 1,000 games in one jersey is a very hard thing to do, and we are all very, very proud of his accomplishment.”
Gudbrandson’s first goal with the Ducks came on a point shot that deflected off two Chicago players with Sam Steel in front of the net. Ritchie tied the game 2-2 at the 6:17 mark of the third period on a power-play goal, with an assist from Steel. Getzlaf had an assist.
Toews stopped in traffic shortly after overtime began, spun around and slipped a cross-ice pass to Kane, who lifted the puck over the shoulder of Miller for the winner.
Chicago rookie Adam Boqvist scored his first NHL goal, through traffic at 9:21 of the first period. Just more than six minutes after Boqvist’s score, Alex DeBrincat took a cross-ice pass from Kane and scored on a def lection off Miller’s right pad.
It was the 2,000th game in Ducks history.