Ducks Enter Olympic Break with Momentum-and Playoff Hopes Alive
As the NHL heads into its Olympic break, the Anaheim Ducks find themselves in a position few expected: right in the thick of the playoff hunt. After a rollercoaster start to the season, Anaheim has clawed its way back into the conversation with a 9-2-0 run heading into the pause, sitting in the second Wild Card spot with 56 games played.
Let’s rewind for a moment. Earlier in the season, the Ducks rattled off a surprising seven-game win streak that turned some heads-especially among East Coast fans who don’t usually stay up for West Coast puck drops.
But just as quickly as the buzz built, the narrative shifted. The Ducks cooled off, and many assumed that streak would be the high point of their season.
But Anaheim didn’t get the memo. Instead, they’ve surged again, thanks to a mix of timely scoring, young talent stepping up, and a goaltender who’s quietly giving them a chance most nights.
Quenneville Keeps It Grounded, But the Ducks Are Flying
Head coach Joel Quenneville isn’t one to get ahead of himself. After a win over Seattle just before the break, he kept it measured: “We want to make ourselves part of [the playoff race] right down to the end.” With 17 games left after the break and seven straight home games coming up, Anaheim has a golden opportunity to solidify its postseason push.
Terry Returns, Gauthier Breaks Out, and Sennecke Wows
A big reason for Anaheim’s resurgence? The return of Troy Terry.
After a lengthy injury absence, he’s back and producing at a point-per-game clip-44 points in 44 games. He’s holding down the right wing on the second line alongside Chris Kreider and Ryan Poehling, giving the Ducks a steady veteran presence with some offensive pop.
On the top line, Mikael Granlund continues to bring experience and savvy down the middle. With 636 points in 939 career games, he’s been a steadying force. But the real spark has come from rookie Beckett Sennecke, who’s turning heads with 44 points in 55 games and a highlight-reel play seemingly every night.
What stands out about Sennecke isn’t just the flash-it’s the maturity. Even in his first NHL season, he’s showing a more complete game than some of the Ducks’ former top prospects.
He’s still developing, especially on the defensive side, but the foundation is strong. He’s not just a showman; he’s becoming a reliable contributor.
And then there’s Cutter Gauthier. Acquired in the trade that sent Jamie Drysdale and a pick to Philadelphia, Gauthier has been electric.
He’s nearly at a point-per-game pace and just tallied his 25th goal of the season against the Kraken. That kind of production from a newcomer is exactly what this Ducks team needed.
Dostal Holding Down the Crease
Goaltending has been a question mark in Anaheim since John Gibson’s departure, but Lukas Dostal is making his case. His numbers-2.95 GAA and .897 save percentage-aren’t eye-popping, but they don’t tell the whole story. He’s won 21 of 38 starts and has kept the Ducks in games even when their defensive structure breaks down.
For context, Seattle’s Philip Grubauer came into that same game with a 2.34 GAA and .919 save percentage. If Dostal can edge closer to that kind of consistency, Anaheim’s playoff chances could get a serious boost.
Olympic Call-Ups Reflect Ducks’ Global Talent
Four Ducks will represent their countries at the Olympics. Dostal and captain Radko Gudas will suit up for Czechia.
Granlund will represent Finland-he’s already got a bronze medal from 2014. And Jackson LaCombe, a late injury replacement, will play for Team USA.
LaCombe’s selection may have surprised some, but he’s earned it. His play on the Ducks’ blue line has been quietly impressive, and now he gets a global stage to show what he can do. He’s set to head to the East Coast on Friday before flying to Europe for the tournament, which begins early next week.
One notable absence: Leo Carlsson. The young forward remains on injured reserve due to a medical condition that causes lesions on his legs. He’ll miss the Olympics and remain out until after the break.
What’s Next?
The Ducks won’t leave Southern California again until March 10, with seven straight home games on the horizon. That stretch could define their season. If they can keep this momentum going, Anaheim could be one of the more surprising playoff teams in the league.
And finally, a tip of the cap to longtime Anaheim Official Scorer Serge Gagne, who worked his final game during the Ducks' win over Seattle. His decades of dedication and deep knowledge of the game made him a fixture at Honda Center. He’ll be missed.
The Ducks have gone from written off to right back in it. With a mix of youth, experience, and just enough goaltending, they’ve got a shot. And as we’ve seen in the NHL, sometimes that’s all you need.