Game report: Ducks 2, Penguins 1

Key play: Chris Stewart scored the tiebreaking goal 15:49 into the second period and the Ducks defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1 on Sunday at the Honda Center. Stewart skated into the slot, accepted a centering pass from teammate Nate Thompson and redirected it past Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury for his fifth goal of the season..

Pivotal performer: Ducks goaltender John Gibson made 23 saves for his fourth victory in seven appearances since he was recalled from San Diego of the American Hockey League. He was razor sharp after giving up a goal to Pittsburgh defenseman Olli Maatta only 3:02 into the game. Gibson is 4-2-1 with a 1.47 goals-against average, a .944 save percentage and two shutouts since his recall from San Diego of the AHL on Nov. 24.

Between the pipes: Gibson, a Pittsburgh native, started for the sixth consecutive game for the Ducks. Frederik Andersen, who was sidelined by an illness, served as his backup. Fleury started for the Penguins after he was in goal for a 5-3 loss Saturday to the Kings. Fleury made 23 saves.

Quote, unquote: “They’re building blocks,” Ducks center Ryan Kesler said of the past two victories, which includes a 1-0 win Friday over the San Jose Sharks. “We’ve been playing well for a while now. To finally string some wins together feels good.”

Coach’s challenge: An apparent power-play goal for Ducks left wing Rickard Rakell in the first period was washed out by a coach’s challenge. It was determined by video replay that Ducks defenseman Sami Vatanen failed to keep the puck in the zone and offside should have been called.