Cutter Gauthier scored twice as the Anaheim Ducks secured a 5-1 win over the New York Islanders at Honda Center on Wednesday. Ville Husso made 42 saves in his first game since January 26, contributing significantly to the Ducks’ victory.
Beckett Sennecke recorded a goal and an assist, while Chris Kreider added two assists for Anaheim, which improved its record to 34-24-3. The Ducks were coming off a previous 5-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche that ended their five-game winning streak.
For the Islanders, Anders Lee scored their only goal, and David Rittich made 21 saves. The defeat ended New York’s own five-game winning streak at the start of a four-game road trip.
The Islanders took an early lead when Lee scored on a rebound after Husso stopped his initial tip attempt at 4:58 of the first period. Anaheim responded during a power play; Sennecke passed from behind the net to Gauthier in the left face-off circle, where he tied it with a one-timer at 12:56.
Gauthier put Anaheim ahead at 16:05 with his team-leading 31st goal of the season, connecting from the right circle off a pass from Leo Carlsson. This marked Gauthier’s fifth goal in three games.
Anaheim increased its advantage to 3-1 late in the first period when Sennecke converted a rebound for his 20th goal of the season. Ryan Poehling extended the lead to 4-1 early in the third period by scoring from close range with a backhand shot. Frank Vatrano capped off Anaheim’s performance by scoring into an empty net with just over four minutes remaining.
