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
