Anaheim Ducks Pull Off Stunning Comeback Against Winnipeg Jets in Thrilling 3-2 Victory

ANAHEIM, Calif. – In a dramatic finish on December 18, 2024, the Anaheim Ducks stunned the NHL-leading Winnipeg Jets with a late rally that secured a thrilling 3-2 win at the Honda Center. With only 24 seconds left on the clock, Troy Terry netted the game-winning goal, leading the Ducks to their second consecutive victory.

The night saw Frank Vatrano score his second goal of the game with just under five minutes remaining. This marks the Ducks' first back-to-back wins since mid-November, and the first regulation win in three weeks, signaling a promising turn in their season. Anaheim's goaltender, Lukas Dostal, was solid in net, stopping 21 shots and helping his team fend off a potent Jets offense.

For Winnipeg, Gabriel Vilardi and Mark Scheifele found the back of the net, but despite Eric Comrie's 28 saves, the backup goalie remains winless in his last six starts—a disheartening statistic for the surging Jets, who have been looking to maintain their top position in the league.

The game saw a turning point when Vatrano's long-range effort inadvertently deflected off the skate of Vladislav Namestnikov, catching Comrie off-guard and leveling the score at 2-2. The Ducks, ranked 31st in the NHL for goals per game, celebrated this unexpected surge just when their fans needed it most.

This match was particularly special for defenseman Jacob Trouba, who made his home debut for the Ducks just days after being acquired from the New York Rangers. Meanwhile, the team was still adjusting to the absence of longtime blue-liner Cam Fowler, recently traded to the St. Louis Blues after 15 memorable years with Anaheim.

Adding to the drama of the evening, the Jets struggled tremendously in the early game phases. Shocking stat: Winnipeg did not register its first shot on goal until more than 11 minutes into the first period, and it took nearly another 10 minutes into the second period to find their offensive rhythm.

Looking ahead, the Winnipeg Jets will face off against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday night, while the Ducks prepare to host the Colorado Avalanche on Friday. The NHL action is far from over, and fans can expect more thrilling moments as the teams battle for playoff positioning.

Stay tuned for more updates and game recaps as the NHL season heats up!