Sports

Beleskey, Kesler lead NHL-best Anaheim Ducks to 2-1 win over spiraling Edmonton Oilers

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Anaheim Ducks' Ryan Kesler celebrates after scoring against Edmonton Oilers goalie Viktor Fasth, background left, of Sweden, during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) (The Associated Press)

Edmonton Oilers goalie Viktor Fasth, of Sweden, wipes his face after giving up a goal to Anaheim Ducks' Ryan Kesler during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) (The Associated Press)

Matt Beleskey scored his 14th goal and Frederik Andersen made 21 saves in the Anaheim Ducks' fifth consecutive victory, 2-1 over the spiraling Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night.

Ryan Kesler also scored for the NHL-leading Ducks, who held off last-place Edmonton's late charge for their eighth win in 10 games. Anaheim (19-6-5) is three points ahead of Detroit in the overall standings.

The Ducks' last 12 victories were by just one goal, and they hung on to that slim lead after Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored early in the third for Edmonton, which has lost 13 of 14.

Former Ducks goalie Viktor Fasth stopped 32 shots for the Oilers (7-17-5), who are tied with Carolina for the fewest points in the NHL.