Ducks Flip the Script in Winnipeg Behind Nesterenko’s Finish
Winnipeg had more pucks fired toward the net, but the better chances belonged to the Anaheim Ducks. The Jets led in shot attempts (52-38), yet Anaheim’s looks were worth more, finishing with more expected goals — 3.38 to 2.09 — and they cashed that edge into a 5-1 result.
The turning point was quality, not volume. Nikita Nesterenko jumped on his moment, with a single chance worth 0.77 xG — the kind of look that swings a night. Depth chipped in, too: Judd Caulfield and Tim Washe each produced and helped tilt dangerous areas, while Mikael Granlund added a goal and an assist. On the back end, Lukas Dostal did exactly what Anaheim needed, stopping 15 of 16 to make the math hold.
Winnipeg wasn’t empty-handed; Cole Perfetti pinged iron on a near-goal, and the Jets drew four power plays but couldn’t convert. In a game where more didn’t mean better, the Ducks punished mistakes and finished the right chances.
