The Anaheim Ducks started this season better than most predicted. With 16 wins across 27 games, the franchise has been in blistering form, with the head coach guiding the formerly struggling side to the top of the Pacific Division.
However, last night didn’t allow the Ducks to add to their tally of wins, as the Utah Mammoth absolutely demolished the California side in a 7-0 win. When interviewed after the game, Joel Quenneville just had two words for his side.
Ducks’ Head Coach Was Glad That the Game Ended for the Night
The Ducks entered last night’s game as the clear favorites. The Mammoth were coming off a four-game losing streak, and Anaheim had been sensational this season. But once the buzzer went off, Utah’s demolition of the Ducks started.
Within minutes of the first period, Lawson Crouse opened the scoreboard for the Mammoth, and within five minutes, Dylan Guenther doubled Utah’s lead. While fans believed that their side would soon turn it around by the time the third period rolled in, the Ducks were already trailing 4-0.
The third period proved to be the worst for the Californian side, as three more goals by Utah meant that the Ducks just suffered their worst loss of the season. So, when reporters approached HC Quenneville after the game to ask if he had any positives to report, he had just two words for them.
“It’s over,” he said. For the Ducks, the loss wasn’t just humiliating; it also derailed the entire momentum they had built over the last 26 games. Meanwhile, JJ Peterka was easily the star of the night for the Mammoth.
The former Sabres winger got two goals and two assists as his scoring and playmaking made short work of the Ducks’ offense. With this latest haul, the forward now has 21 points in 28 games and remains one of the key forwards for the Mammoth.
But while the Ducks still maintain their lead atop their division, Utah has the chance to climb up the rankings in the Central Division. Despite starting strong, the franchise quickly dropped multiple games across its recent matchups.
Currently fourth in the division standings, the franchise still has the chance to make a comeback and book its spot in the playoffs. The franchise remains young and is currently playing their first full season under the Mammoth branding.
In a division full of powerhouses like the Avs and the Stars, the franchise is trying hard to remain at the top of its game. Names like Peterka and points leader Clayton Keller remain the major driving force behind their offense.
And while Logan Cooley’s recent injury created a lot of fear among the Utah fans, their latest game suggests that the Mammoth are already on the brink of a comeback.
