Vegas Golden Knights Seek 3rd Round Berth in Western Conference Playoffs The Vegas Golden Knights are set to face the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 of the Western Conference Second Round on Thursday at Honda Center, with the stakes high for both teams. A victory for Vegas would secure their fifth appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs’ third round since their 2017-18 expansion season, marking another milestone in their franchise history. The Golden Knights, who have reached the conference final three times (2018, 2020, 2023) and the NHL Semifinals in 2021, are aiming to extend their record of series wins in the NHL since entering the league. With a 3-2 series lead, the Knights are looking to clinch their 14th series victory, surpassing the Tampa Bay Lightning’s previous record. The Ducks, meanwhile, are desperate to extend their playoff run beyond Game 6. This would be their first postseason elimination game since 2018, when they were swept by the San Jose Sharks in the first round. For Honda Center, the arena hasn’t hosted an elimination game since 2017, when the Ducks defeated the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the second round. Anaheim’s coach Joel Quenneville emphasized the importance of the home advantage, noting that the team has not lost consecutive games in the postseason and remains undefeated at home this series. “We’ve got a chance to get to Game 7,” Quenneville said. “Anything can happen.” The series has been a battle of attrition, with the Golden Knights’ defense holding the Ducks to two goals or fewer in four of five games. However, the Ducks’ offensive spark has been crucial in recent games. Forward Alex Killorn highlighted the need for Anaheim to capitalize on opportunities, citing Olen Zellweger’s goal in Game 5 as a turning point.#anaheim_ducks #joel_quenneville #vegas_golden_knights #honda_center #john_tortorella
Gudas Out for Ducks in Game 4 of Western 2nd Round Anaheim Ducks captain Radko Gudas did not play in Game 4 of the Western Conference Second Round against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday. The defenseman, who had participated in the morning skate for the second consecutive game, was not on the ice for warmups. Gudas has not played since Game 1 of the first-round series against the Edmonton Oilers on April 20. Coach Joel Quenneville said after the morning skate, “We’ll see,” when asked if Gudas would be in the lineup as the Ducks trailed the best-of-7 series 2-1. Gudas described his absence from the lineup as one of the “hardest experiences of my career.” He emphasized the team’s resilience and camaraderie, stating, “The guys are battling for each other. They’re a very great group, and we are in this together.” Despite the setback, Gudas expressed pride in the Ducks’ playoff run, calling it “fun to be around” and noting the team’s progress. “At the start of the year, I don’t think anyone would’ve guessed anything like that,” he added, highlighting the team’s collective effort. Gudas’ absence stems from a lingering injury sustained during a collision with Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews on March 12. The incident resulted in a Grade 3 MCL sprain for Matthews, who missed the rest of the regular season, and a five-game suspension for Gudas for kneeing. After returning to play on March 24, Gudas missed a game against the Oilers on March 28 before playing on March 30 against the Maple Leafs. He missed five more games before returning on April 12 against the Vancouver Canucks and then missed the final two games of the regular season before joining the Ducks in the playoffs. Gudas has played five games since March 12, including Game 1 of the first round.#anaheim_ducks #joel_quenneville #auston_matthews #vegas_golden_knights #radko_gudas
Ducks Seek Rebound in Game 4 Against Vegas Golden Knights The Anaheim Ducks, currently 1-2 in the second-round playoff series against the Vegas Golden Knights, are preparing to even the series in Game 4 at Honda Center on Sunday. Puck drop is set for 6:30 p.m. PT, with the game airing nationally on ESPN. Following a 6-2 loss to Vegas in Game 3, the Ducks are focused on correcting their mistakes and regaining momentum. Head coach Joel Quenneville acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “There's a lesson to take out of today's game, and it's only going to get harder every single game.” Alex Killorn, a key player, reflected on the team’s struggles, saying, “It wasn't a great start. They score in the first five minutes and then they get a PK goal and then that goal on the power play with five seconds left. It's tough to win a game when you put yourself in spots like that.” The Ducks’ lineup for Game 4 includes several key players returning from injury or absence. Goalie Lukas Dostal, who missed Game 3, is set to rejoin the team, while forward Mason McTavish, who sat out the previous game, is expected to play. McTavish expressed confidence in Dostal’s ability, stating, “He’s been so good all year. We know the kind of goalie he is. We have so much confidence in him. He’s bailed us out so many times and always comes back stronger, so I’m excited to see his game today.” The Ducks’ forward group is also looking to support Dostal by creating scoring chances and maintaining pressure on Vegas’ penalty kill. Vegas, meanwhile, has been dominant in its own zone, particularly on the penalty kill. The Golden Knights have killed 21 consecutive power plays in six straight games, including a streak that began in the first round against Utah.#anaheim_ducks #lukas_dostal #alex_killorn #joel_quenneville #vegas_golden_knights
Ducks look to clinch playoff spot, end drought vs. Canucks The Anaheim Ducks are on the brink of securing their first playoff berth since 2018, with a decisive victory over the Vancouver Canucks set for Sunday night. The game, scheduled for 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+, carries immense significance for the Ducks, who have endured a seven-year playoff drought. A win would not only end their long wait but also position them to leapfrog the Edmonton Oilers and tie the Vegas Golden Knights for the top of the Pacific Division. The Ducks’ current 42-32-5 record has been fueled by the emergence of key players such as Leo Carlsson and Cutter Gauthier. Carlsson, who has contributed 55 points this season, and Gauthier, with 65 points, have become central figures in the team’s resurgence. Their leadership has been instrumental in transforming the Ducks’ fortunes under new head coach Joel Quenneville, who has implemented a strategic overhaul that has revitalized the team’s performance. The playoff implications extend beyond the Ducks’ own aspirations. A win would leave just one remaining Western Conference playoff spot up for grabs, intensifying the competition for the final berth. The Ducks’ success would also shift the Pacific Division standings, potentially altering the dynamics of the postseason bracket. The Ducks’ journey to this point has been marked by resilience and adaptability. Quenneville’s coaching philosophy has emphasized defensive structure and opportunistic offense, which has paid dividends in recent games. The team’s ability to capitalize on key moments, such as Mikael Granlund’s goal against the Canucks on March 24, 2026, has underscored their growing confidence. The Canucks, meanwhile, remain a formidable opponent.#vancouver_canucks #anaheim_ducks #joel_quenneville #cutter_gauthier #leo_carlsson
Anaheim Ducks seek to prolong Toronto Maple Leafs' losing streak The Anaheim Ducks are set to continue their pursuit of extending the Toronto Maple Leafs' current losing streak as they prepare for a crucial matchup on Thursday night. The Ducks, who have established themselves as the top team in the Pacific Division, aim to start their four-game road trip on a strong note by securing a second consecutive victory. Their upcoming game against the struggling Maple Leafs will be a significant test for the Ducks, who have shown resilience in recent weeks. The Ducks began their road trip with a decisive 4-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets, fueled by a remarkable 1:44 span in the second period where they scored three consecutive goals. This performance propelled them to an impressive 8-2-0 record in their past 10 games, showcasing their ability to capitalize on opportunities. Forward Alex Killorn, who contributed a goal and an assist in the Jets game, reflected on the team's progress. "A month ago, it was a different situation," he said. "Then we go on a run, and now we're first in the Pacific. You try not to think about it too much, but it's just one of those things that it's so tight, every game is so important." Coach Joel Quenneville emphasized the team's balanced approach, noting their ability to score goals while also maintaining defensive discipline. "We've got a good mix, we've got good balance," Quenneville said. "We know we can score goals, and (Tuesday) is a good thing to bounce back to, about knowing that we can check, too." The Ducks' victory followed a 4-0 home loss to the St. Louis Blues on Sunday, which highlighted the challenges they face in maintaining consistency. The Maple Leafs, on the other hand, have been struggling to find their footing since the Olympic break.#anaheim_ducks #toronto_maple_leafs #alex_killorn #joel_quenneville #auston_matthews
