VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- Paul Kariya netted a shorthanded goal 8:28 into the third period Thursday night, and Martin Gerber made 30 saves as the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim rallied for a 2-2 tie against the Vancouver Canucks.
Unfortunately, Anaheim lost center Adam Oates. The future Hall of Famer left early in the second period after being slashed. After Oates received X-rays, it was revealed his left hand was broken in two places. The team is unsure how long Oates will be out.
If he is gone for a significant length of time, it could be devastating for the playoff chances of Ducks. Oates, playing in his 18th NHL season, ranks eighth on the NHL's all-time assists list. He has recorded at least 40 assists and 50 points in 15 consecutive seasons.
While the Mighty Ducks were frustrated by missed opportunities in overtime when the two teams met six days ago, the Canucks left Thursday's contest aggravated.
Vancouver failed to convert on nine power-play chances against Anaheim, which entered the game ranked 27th on the penalty kill.
While allowing Kariya's shorthanded effort, the Canucks failed to score on three man-advantage situations in the third period and one in overtime. Brendan Morrison and Jan Hlavac scored for the Canucks, who are unbeaten in their last seven home meetings with the Mighty Ducks (5
2-0).
