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San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl, left, and Anaheim Ducks right wing David Backes battle for the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 13, 2021, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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San Jose Sharks left wing John Leonard, right, moves the puck while under pressure from Anaheim Ducks defenseman Ben Hutton during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 13, 2021, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Anaheim Ducks center Rickard Rakell, left, moves the puck while under pressure from San Jose Sharks defenseman Radim Simek during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 13, 2021, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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Anaheim Ducks center Rickard Rakell, right, moves the puck as San Jose Sharks center Dylan Gambrell skates in during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 13, 2021, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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San Jose Sharks left wing Evander Kane, left, celebrates after scoring on Anaheim Ducks goaltender Ryan Miller, right, while center Ryan Getzlaf skates by during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 13, 2021, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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San Jose Sharks right wing Timo Meier, center, splits between Anaheim Ducks right wing Jakob Silfverberg, left, and right wing David Backes during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 13, 2021, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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San Jose Sharks left wing Evander Kane, right, scuffles with Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jani Hakanpaa during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 13, 2021, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
ANAHEIM — The hits keep coming for the Ducks, who don’t look like they can take many more this season. Not only did they lose a 3-1 decision Saturday to the San Jose Sharks at Honda Center, but they lost fourth-line grinder Carter Rowney to season-ending knee surgery.
Rowney, 31, is expected to be sidelined for between four and six months after he underwent surgery on damaged meniscus in his left knee. Brian Schulz, an orthopedic surgeon at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, performed the procedure.
Rowney had six points, all assists, in 19 games and filled a key role on the Ducks’ penalty-killing unit that was ranked among the top five in the NHL, but has dropped in his absence. He was injured during a collision along the boards in the Ducks’ loss Feb. 22 to the Arizona Coyotes.
“We feel bad for Carter,” Ducks general manager Bob Murray said. “He’s a very effective player, but also a character person and teammate. Knowing that, we are confident he will work his way back and return to form even stronger than before.”
Said coach Dallas Eakins: “Carter’s one of those guys you want in your dressing room. I feel terrible for that kid because he’s very good on the penalty kill. He’s such a reliable player and he’s a great teammate. I know he’s devastated he’s going to miss the rest of the year.”
Compounding matters, the Ducks also announced Rowney’s frequent linemate Derek Grant would be sidelined Saturday by an unspecified upper body injury. David Backes returned to the lineup as did Danton Heinen and Troy Terry. Sam Steel and Trevor Zegras sat out.
The Ducks’ frustration was evident by game’s end, their second consecutive loss to the Sharks and their third overall. Their play was much improved 24 hours after their 6-0 loss to the Sharks, when they gave up four third-period goals and were shut out for the first time this season.
It wasn’t nearly good enough to win, though.
“We try to move on,” Ducks winger Max Jones said. “What’s happened happened. We carry each day as a new one and just focus on the next game ahead, but that doesn’t mean we can’t sit and reflect on the way we’ve been playing and what we need to work on.
“It’s pretty evident that we have parts of our game that we need fixing. As a team we’re trying to do that. It’s with everyone. Me included. Every single player. We’re trying to figure it out. It’s not easy. It’s not easy at all. It’s very frustrating. We’re trying each day to figure it out.”
Evander Kane scored on an odd-man rush to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead 6:16 into the game. Ducks defenseman Ben Hutton mishandled a pass in the high slot and Kane gained control and zoomed in the opposite direction. He beat Ryan Miller with a well-placed shot just inside the goal post.
Jones pulled the Ducks into an all-too-brief 1-1 tie at 5:38 of the second period, racing down the right wing and beating San Jose goalie Martin Jones (no relation). Jones’ goal ended the Ducks’ scoring drought at 119:59, dating to their 5-1 loss Wednesday to the Kings.
The deadlock didn’t last 60 seconds, though.
Kevin Labanc scored to put the Sharks back in front 2-1 at 6:33 of the second, converting on a centering pass from a falling Tomas Hertl from along the goal line. Miller made several key saves to keep the Ducks within striking distance to start the third period.
The Ducks and third periods haven’t exactly been on the best of terms lately, though. The Kings outscored them 2-0 on Monday and again on Wednesday, and the Sharks outscored them 4-0 on Friday. Overall, the Ducks have been outscored 91-61 in third periods this season.
As if on cue, Dylan Gambrell extended the Sharks’ lead to 3-1 only 2:07 into the third. Ryan Donato recovered a loose puck behind the net and fed a pass out front, after Ducks defenseman Josh Mahura crashed heavily into the boards a moment earlier.
“Just not good enough,” Jones said of the Ducks’ play. “We’re a step behind right now. Our systems are one beat off. It’s frustrating right now. We’re trying. We really want to play the right way, but it’s not easy. It takes everyone and it’s something we’re struggling with right now.”
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