Rakell’s late goal lifts Ducks
He scores with 1.2 seconds left in overtime as Anaheim ends Avalanche’s run.
DUCKS 4 COLORADO 3 (OT)
DENVER — Rickard Rakell didn’t need a clock to tell him how much time remained as he skated up the ice.
He had his Ducks teammates on the bench counting down the seconds.
Rakell scored with 1.2 seconds remaining in overtime, Ryan Miller stopped 32 shots and the Ducks snapped the Colorado Avalanche’s seven-game winning streak with a 4-3 victory Wednesday night.
“The whole bench was literally an orchestra of ‘6, 5 ...’ they were counting it down for him,” Ducks coach Dallas Eakins said. “The communication there obviously helped. But with Raks, he’s a smart shooter. He’s going to get that D-man close to him.”
Rakell’s shot appeared to deflect off the stick of Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard and past goaltender Pavel Francouz. It was Rakell’s first goal since Jan. 31.
“I just tried to do something quick there and get a shot off,” Rakell explained. “It was nice to see it go in.”
Sam Steel, Andrew Agozzino and Brendan Guhle also added goals to accomplish a rare feat these days — finding space between the pads of Francouz, who’s been one of the top goaltenders in the league.
Despite losing 6-2 in Chicago the night before, the Ducks kept up with the speedy Avalanche. The 39year-old Miller earned career NHL win No. 386 to move by Mike Vernon and into sole possession of 15th place. Miller also matched Tom Barrasso (777) for second place on the NHL’s alltime games played list among U.S.-born goaltenders, the team said.
In addition, Miller eclipsed Barrasso (755) for second on the league’s all-time games started list for U.S.born goalies.
“A great night for him, for our team,” Eakins said. “He’s just been a wonder to have with our group.”