What we learned from the Ducks' 3-2 overtime loss to the Blackhawks

What we learned from the Ducks’ 3-2 overtime loss to the Blackhawks

Ducks goalie John Gibson and defensemen Kevin Bieksa, right, and Cam Fowler try to prevent Blackhawks right wing Marian Hossa (8) from scoring in the second period Friday.

By Curtis Zupke

Nov. 28, 2015 7:31 AM PT

The names have changed, but the story remains the same: The Ducks can’t put away the Chicago Blackhawks.

The frustration level boiled over, just like last spring, after Friday’s 3-2 overtime loss. The Ducks couldn’t protect a 2-0 lead with fewer than 90 seconds left, a scenario that nearly fell them in Game 5 of last season’s Western Conference final against Chicago.

The Ducks won that game, but lost in overtime in Games 2 and 4, and were blown out in Game 7.

Here’s what we learned from Friday’s loss:

Chicago has that championship mettle

Give credit to the Blackhawks for finding a way to win again. They are at the tail end of their six-game “Circus Trip” yet got two points against one of their biggest rivals.

“I thought for the most part they outworked us for most of the game, and we just found a way at the end and snuck out with two points,” Chicago defenseman Duncan Keith said.

Ducks Coach Bruce Boudreau liked their energy but obviously was disappointed at their lack of finish, and an 0-for-3 night on the power play. He was asked about needing to be particularly careful closing out a game against Chicago.

“We know what that team’s capable of and what that team’s comeback ability is in games and in series,” Boudreau said. “It’s not something we took lightly.”

There will be some tough decision-making in goal

John Gibson has looked solid in three games since his recall, enough to wonder if the Ducks will stick with him when No. 1 Frederik Andersen recovers from illness.

Andersen was kept away from the team this week but was seen in the press box Friday. The Ducks next play Monday.

Help might be on the way

The Ducks announced before the game that center Nate Thompson was assigned to San Diego on a long-term injury-conditioning loan.

Thompson is on schedule in his recovery from major shoulder surgery in June. He’s a fourth-line player but is the heart-and-soul type who helped them to a long playoff run last season.

Anaheim also has left wing Jiri Sekac and defenseman Simon Despres on the mend, although there haven’t been recent updates on them.