Red Wings fall to Ducks in Game 1

By Michael Caples –

The Red Wings didn’t give up an even-strength goal for more than 59 minutes Tuesday night in Anaheim.

Yet they’re still down 1-0 in their Western Conference Quarterfinal series with the Ducks.

Nick Bonino and Teemu Selanne scored power-play goals for Anaheim, and Francois Beauchemin added an empty-netter, as they picked up a 3-1 win over the Red Wings to open their best-of-seven series.

Dan Cleary scored the lone goal for the Red Wings, redirecting a shot from Jakub Kindl during a first period power-play opportunity.

Jonas Hiller stopped 21 of 22 shots to get the win for the Ducks; there was a possibility that back-up netminder Viktor Fasth could start the series.

Jimmy Howard stopped 24 of 26 in the loss.

Bonino opened up the scoring at the 10:24 mark of the first period, just four seconds into a power play after Jordan Tootoo was called for crosschecking. Farmington Hills native Cam Fowler took a shot from the blue line that Bonino was able to redirect in the slot.

Cleary evened up the contest six minutes later, just moments after the game’s lone five-on-three opportunity expired for the Red Wings. Jakub Kindl’s shot hit Cleary, changed direction, and got through Hiller for the Detroit goal. Patrick Eaves also picked up an assist on the play.

After a scoreless second period, Selanne fired a one-timer past Jimmy Howard just 1:29 into the third. The goal came on a power play that was a result of the Red Wings’ inability to clear the puck in the final minute of the second period. After scrambling in their own end, Kindl ended up accidentally clearing the puck over the glass in the Wings’ end.

The goal turned out to be the game-winner for the Ducks, who take a 1-0 lead in the series. Game 2 is slated for 10 p.m. ET on Thursday.