Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury deflects the puck as Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Kesler, back left, and defenseman Olli Maatta watch the rebound during the second period Sunday in Anaheim. The Ducks won 2-1.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Anaheim Ducks knew their chances of beating the high-powered Pittsburgh Penguins would be greatly enhanced by keeping Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in check on the defensive end, rather than trying to match them in the offensive zone.

Chris Stewart had the go-ahead goal in the second period, Corey Perry also scored and the Ducks overcame a disallowed goal to beat the Penguins 2-1 on Sunday night.

“We were just limiting them to time and space,” Anaheim center Ryan Kesler said. “We were staying on them and trying to frustrate them, and we really didn’t give them anything.

“We have to be a team that’s in your face and hard to play against every night. That’s how we’re successful,” he added. “We’re not a team that generates off the rush, but a team that grinds teams down.”

Crosby was held to one assist and Malkin was kept off the scoresheet entirely. John Gibson made 23 saves in his sixth straight start, a stretch that included shutouts against Vancouver and San Jose.

“They’re a good team, and you see the offense they have, so you know they’re going to come and get chances,” Gibson said. “You’ve just got to weather the storm the best you can.”

Malkin nearly got the tying goal, but misfired on a backhander from the edge of the crease with 1:22 remaining after faking Gibson to the ice with goalie Marc-Andre Fleury pulled for an extra skater.

“I don’t know if I got the puck or his stick or his skate. But whatever, it didn’t go in the net and that’s all that matters,” Gibson said.