The Anaheim Ducks rolled into Seattle riding a five-game win streak-and they left with number six in the bag. Despite a lineup missing key names like Leo Carlsson, Troy Terry, and Mason McTavish, Anaheim continued to find ways to win, this time with a 4-2 victory over the Kraken.
Early Statement, Early Lead
The Ducks wasted no time setting the tone. Just 57 seconds into the game, Cutter Gauthier opened the scoring with a highlight-reel play.
After taking a slick feed from Jeffrey Viel at the Seattle blue line, Gauthier turned on the jets, danced around defenseman Vince Dunn, and snapped one home from the bottom of the right circle. It was the kind of goal that shows why Gauthier’s ceiling is so high-speed, hands, and confidence all on display.
Then, with under six minutes to go in the first, Anaheim found themselves shorthanded after Alex Killorn was called for hooking. But instead of sitting back, Ryan Poehling turned defense into offense.
Ian Moore cleared the puck out of the zone, springing Poehling on a breakaway. He made no mistake, beating Philipp Grubauer clean to give the Ducks a 2-0 lead.
It was a composed finish from a player who’s been quietly reliable all season.
Kraken Push, Ducks Respond
Seattle clawed one back midway through the second period. Jared McCann finished off a 3-on-2 rush with a well-placed shot over Lukas Dostal’s shoulder, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
But Anaheim didn’t flinch. On the power play later in the period, Chris Kreider pounced on a rebound next to the net and buried it, restoring the Ducks’ two-goal cushion heading into the third.
The Kraken made it interesting early in the final frame. Jaden Schwartz redirected a sharp Shane Wright pass past Dostal to make it 3-2. Seattle had momentum and the building was buzzing, but the Ducks held firm.
In the final minutes, with Grubauer on the bench for the extra attacker, Pavel Mintyukov sealed the win. His clearing attempt from the defensive zone took a fortunate bounce off the boards and slid all the way into the empty net. Sometimes, when you’re on a hot streak, the bounces go your way-and Anaheim’s riding that wave right now.
Depth Stepping Up in a Big Way
What’s been most impressive about this six-game streak isn’t just the wins-it’s how the Ducks are getting them. With top-line talent sidelined, Anaheim’s depth has stepped up in a big way.
Jansen Harkins has been holding down a top-six center role in McTavish’s absence and hasn’t looked out of place. Jeffrey Viel, a recent addition to the lineup, is making the most of his opportunity. He’s got points in three straight games (2 goals, 1 assist) and brought some physicality early on with a fight in his Ducks debut.
Ryan Poehling continues to be a steady presence in the bottom six. His shorthanded goal was his 17th point of the season, and he’s doing it while averaging just under 14 minutes a night. He’s not flashy, but he’s effective-and those are the guys every winning team needs.
Dostal Delivering Again
Between the pipes, Lukas Dostal continues to look locked in. He stopped 20 of 22 shots in this one, including a few key saves during Seattle’s third-period push.
This marks his fifth straight win, and for the second time this season, he’s put together a five-game win streak. That kind of consistency is rare, and it’s giving Anaheim a real backbone during this stretch.
Only Frederik Andersen has accomplished that kind of run twice in a single season for the Ducks in the last decade. Dostal’s not just filling in-he’s making a case to be a long-term solution in net.
Controlling the Game Early
Anaheim’s first period was a masterclass in puck possession and pace. At even strength, the Ducks fired off 33 shot attempts to Seattle’s 11.
That’s not just a strong start-that’s domination. Their Corsi For percentage (CF%) in the opening 20 minutes was a staggering 75%, with a Fenwick For percentage (FF%) of over 79%.
Simply put, the Ducks owned the puck and dictated the game.
They may have faded a bit in the third, but the early cushion gave them enough breathing room to close things out.
Special Teams Edge
Special teams played a key role in this one, and Anaheim came out on top. They went 1-for-2 on the power play, killed off both of Seattle’s opportunities, and added a shorthanded goal for good measure. That’s a clean sweep in the special teams battle, and in a tight game, that often makes the difference.
Injury Watch
One minor concern: Beckett Sennecke only took three shifts in the third period after an awkward fall in the second. Head coach Joel Quenneville said postgame that Sennecke should be fine, but it’s something to monitor heading into the next game.
What’s Next
The Ducks will look to keep their streak alive when they travel to Calgary for a Sunday showdown with the Flames. Puck drop is set for 5 PM local time.
Six straight wins. Key players missing.
Depth rising. Goaltending delivering.
The Ducks are finding ways to win, and they’re doing it with grit, structure, and a next-man-up mentality. If this group keeps playing like this, they’re going to be a tough out for anyone.