The Anaheim Ducks continued their strong play on Monday night, dominating the New Jersey Devils for a 7-1 victory. Jakob Silfverberg had three goals in the game to record a hat trick, while Andrew Cogliano and Ryan Kesler each had three points.
Silfverberg added an assist in the game to finish with four points, and he helped shut down the top line for the Devils. Silfverberg, Kesler and Cogliano were very productive on the night, combining for 10 points in the game and that was more than enough to earn the victory. The seven goals were a season-high for the Ducks and the team also dominated in the face-off circle, winning all but four of 23 against the Devils.
The line with Kesler, Silfverberg and Cogliano is one of the better defensive units for the Ducks, but on this night it was all about offense. Corey Perry and Nick Ritchie also scored for Anaheim. Kesler had the eventual game-winner, scoring to make the game 2-1 in the second period. Silfverberg scored two goals in the second period before adding another in the third.
"I think we're a great checking line, but we have the skill to score goals, too," Silfverberg said. "It was a fun night. Every time something is a first, it's special. And getting a hat trick is obviously something special. So I'm excited about it."
The Ducks have now gone 7-2-1 over the past 10 games and the team is now right behind the Los Angeles Kings in the Pacific division. The Ducks trail the Kings by just two points with a few more weeks left in the regular season. Anaheim also stayed ahead of the Sharks, who are three points back in the division standings.
This was the fifth straight time that the Ducks have won against the Devils, who won two of three games on a West Coast trip. New Jersey beat the San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings over the past week, but it could not complete the California sweep against the Ducks. The Kings stayed atop the Pacific Division after winning 5-0 against the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday night.
The Devils have been playing without starting goalie Cory Schneider, who is dealing with an injury. The team is now 33-30-7 on the season, sitting six points back of the second wild card spot.