The Anaheim Ducks beat the Florida Panthers 3–2 in overtime at Honda Center on Oct. 4. Mikael Granlund scored the winning power-play goal with 46 seconds left in the extra period. Anaheim earned the victory in its home opener after Florida tied the game late in regulation.
Gauthier scores twice on the power play
Cutter Gauthier scored both of Anaheim's regulation goals on the power play. His first goal came late in the opening period, before Carter Verhaeghe answered for Florida. Gauthier scored again 47 seconds into the second period to restore the Ducks' lead.
Brad Marchand tied the score at 2–2 with 1:50 remaining in the third period. The Ducks then received another chance with the man advantage in overtime. Granlund finished that opportunity from a Leo Carlsson pass to secure the second standings point.
Granlund finishes another power-play chance
Carlsson recorded three assists, while Gauthier finished with two goals and an assist. Lukas Dostal made 29 saves for Anaheim, and Jacob Markstrom stopped 18 shots for Florida. All three Ducks goals came on the power play.
CSB Take
Anaheim's special teams supplied every goal needed to win. The late equalizer showed why the Ducks still have to manage a one-goal lead more carefully. Their overtime response was the positive finish, with the power play giving them a clear route back to control of the game.
