The Anaheim Ducks faced the Chicago Blackhawks on Saturday night at Honda Center, looking to continue their recent success. Despite a strong run, the Ducks faltered against a Blackhawks team that had traded their star defenseman Seth Jones to the Florida Panthers shortly before the game. Ducks goalie John Gibson returned from injury but struggled, stopping 18 of 24 shots, while Blackhawks goalie Arvid Soderblom managed to stop 28 of 31 shots against him.

With Trevor Zegras serving a suspension, the Ducks sought to maintain their playoff position. Despite their recent good form, they allowed several goals due to defensive breakdowns and struggled to capitalize on their offensive chances. Notably, rookie Leo Carlsson showed potential with increased physicality, while Pavel Mintyukov's defensive play earned praise.

John Gibson, the standout goaltender for the Anaheim Ducks, remains focused on winning despite being at the center of trade rumors. While he acknowledges the interest from contending teams, he has stated that he prefers to let his agent handle any potential moves. Gibson expressed a desire to return to playoff contention, highlighting that the Ducks have promising prospects but noting the competition for the starting position.

As Gibson prepares for his 500th career game, he emphasizes his commitment to winning and the importance of competing in the playoffs, as it's been a long absence for the Ducks. However, he also notes the emergence of Lukas Dostal, which complicates his situation as he aims to be a number-one goalie wherever he plays.

Lukas Dostal delivered a stellar performance with 43 saves, leading the Anaheim Ducks to a 2-1 shootout victory over the Los Angeles Kings. Trevor Zegras and Leo Carlsson netted goals in the shootout, marking the Ducks' sixth win in seven games. Brian Dumoulin, who scored his first goal of the season, opened the scoring early in the third period. The Kings managed to tie it up with Adrian Kempe's goal late in the game, but fell short as David Rittich faced 24 shots in his first back-to-back starts.

This matchup saw minimal action in the first two periods, with Dumoulin finally breaking the deadlock as he scored after 54 games. The game, known as the Freeway Faceoff, was marked by defensive struggles, particularly for the Kings, who had previously scored 14 goals in their last three games. The Ducks head into the international break with a surge of momentum.

The NHL is entering a break as teams prepare for the 4 Nations Face-Off, bringing an exciting opportunity for fans to witness top-tier hockey. A total of 94 games will take place this week, with teams like Montreal and Ottawa facing off in multiple matchups, and Boston also hosting key games. Some players, like Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks, have shown remarkable form with multiple goals recently. Meanwhile, players like Leo Carlsson have hit a slump, raising concerns about their consistency.

Team updates highlight significant injuries, including Charlie McAvoy returning to Boston's lineup while others, such as Hampus Lindholm, will be absent. The Buffalo Sabres are in contract negotiations with key restricted and unrestricted free agents, indicating their intent to bolster the team long-term. On trades, Calgary made headlines by acquiring Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee, suggesting a strategic move to enhance their roster while Philadelphia restructured for future benefits.

Across the league, various teams are adjusting to injuries and player performance. For example, in Minnesota, Kirill Kaprizov's injury may thwart his Hart Trophy candidacy as he recovers from surgery. The Washington Capitals secured Logan Thompson on a notable contract, recognizing the goaltender's crucial role in the team's success.

In a tightly contested match, the Tampa Bay Lightning triumphed over the Anaheim Ducks with a 4-3 victory that culminated in a shootout. Jake Guentzel emerged as the decisive player, netting the only goal in the shootout. Brayden Point, Anthony Cirelli, and Guentzel contributed to the Lightning's regulation goals, while Andrei Vasilevskiy made 34 saves, including a perfect performance in the shootout.

The Ducks showcased their resilience, with Robby Fabbri, Troy Terry, and Leo Carlsson finding the back of the net. Fabbri's goal in the third period, assisted by Jacob Trouba, tied the game and forced overtime, extending the Ducks' challenging road trip to 1-3-1.