Meeting again for the second time in a week, the Ducks defeated the defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers, by a final score of 7-3. In the midst of a schedule of games against playoff and contending teams, the Ducks once again proved they are a team on the rise. The game was wrought with penalties, but the offense for the Ducks was powered by a natural hat trick from Cutter Gauthier.
Gauthier's first hat trick
After having a productive full second season in Anaheim, Gauthier faced pressure to capitalize on the opportunity to play in the top six and help contribute to the scoring punch the Ducks have lacked for years.