Anaheim didn't manage get any of their 27 shots past big Ben Bishop in a 3-0 defeat to the Dallas Stars, a fifth setback in the last six games.
The Ducks came into this one having won six straight at home vs. Dallas, the longest active win streak against any opponent. But that was snapped by a sixth straight victory for the red-hot Stars, who were playing the second game in a back-to-back after winning in LA last night.
"One or two goals and it's the hockey game," said Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf. "I'm not disappointed with the effort. We made a couple of mistakes that ended up in our net. We have to find ways to score goals. It's a tough league to do it in. We have to find a way here."
The opening period was decorated with video tributes and rousing ovations for Stars forwards Perry and Cogliano in their first returns to Anaheim since leaving the Ducks. Each acknowledged the adoring crowd, though Perry did it from a private suite as he's still serving a five-game suspension.
Dallas spoiled the home crowd vibe in that period by going on top 1-0 on a power play slapper from Denis Gurianov.
Dallas was awarded a dubious power play early in the second period on a high sticking penalty against Max Jones on Dallas forward Jason Dickinson, where replays showed Dickinson was clearly struck by his own teammate. The Stars scored on the resulting power play as boos rained down from the home crowd.
"It's always frustrating, but those things happen quickly out there," Ducks coach Dallas Eakins said. "The ref right away was quick to apologize. We just have to take it as that. The key there, not unlike the last game, we've got to get the kill there. We have to own that."
Anaheim couldn't get much going in their attempt to claw back, and Stars winger Roope Hintz put the game away with an empty-netter with three minutes left.
"We just have to play better," Eakins said. "This league is extremely tight. Tonight is a great example of that. When you have chances to score, they have to go in the net. When it's a critical time or, like tonight, there's a tough call. That's when you need to stand up be big. Get the kill. That's what we're missing on both sides right now."
The Ducks (17-22-5) actually don't play a home game for 20 days - partly because of the All-Star break and their bye week later this month - but they are next in action at Chicago this Saturday.
"Maybe that's a good thing, to get on the road and get after it again," Getzlaf said. "This is the grinding part of the [season]. This is when everyone is pushing. Everybody wants points. We have to find ourselves in a fight every night."
