January was a rollercoaster for the Anaheim Ducks - but if there’s one thing this team showed, it’s that they know how to bounce back. After opening the month with five straight losses, the Ducks flipped the script and rattled off seven wins in their next eight games.
Even more important? Six of those victories came against Western Conference opponents, giving Anaheim a much-needed boost in the playoff chase as the regular season starts to wind down.
The turnaround wasn’t just about one hot hand - this was a collective effort. Still, a few players rose above the rest, making a clear impact night in and night out. Let’s break down the Ducks’ three stars of January: Beckett Sennecke, Mikael Granlund, and Lukas Dostal.
Third Star: Beckett Sennecke - The Rookie Making Noise
You don’t often see a rookie step into the NHL and immediately look like they belong. But Sennecke isn’t your average first-year player.
In January, he registered at least a point in nine of 13 games, including three multi-point performances. His biggest moment?
A statement game against the Calgary Flames where he notched his first career hat trick - and did it in style by sealing the deal in overtime. That’s the kind of clutch performance that turns heads around the league.
Sennecke averaged about 19 minutes of ice time per game and kept himself out of trouble with just eight penalty minutes. He’s fast, disciplined, and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
Whether he’s setting up a teammate or finishing the play himself, Sennecke’s hockey IQ is already showing through. For a team that’s building toward the future, he’s proving to be a major piece of the puzzle - and he’s only just getting started.
Second Star: Mikael Granlund - The Veteran Presence Anaheim Needed
When the Ducks picked up Granlund, it raised a few eyebrows. But now?
It’s looking like a savvy move. The veteran forward delivered in a big way this month, tallying five goals and six assists for 11 points.
He’s been a steadying force in the lineup, playing smart, mistake-free hockey - just two penalty minutes all month - and contributing on both ends of the ice.
Granlund’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways has been huge for Anaheim. He’s consistently getting pucks on net, disrupting plays in the defensive zone, and making life difficult for opponents.
And let’s not overlook his hat trick against the Oilers - not only did he light the lamp three times, but he did it entirely on the power play. That kind of special-teams production is rare and speaks to his experience and poise in high-pressure moments.
Logging over 18 minutes a night, Granlund has become one of the Ducks’ most reliable two-way players. He’s not flashy - but he’s effective. And right now, that’s exactly what this team needs.
First Star: Lukas Dostal - The Backbone in Net
Let’s be clear: the Ducks don’t turn their month around without Lukas Dostal between the pipes. The 23-year-old goaltender was nothing short of stellar in January, picking up six wins while stopping 278 shots. He finished the month with a .914 save percentage and a 2.49 goals-against average - rock-solid numbers that gave Anaheim a chance to win every night.
Dostal’s calm presence in net has been a stabilizing force for a young Ducks team still finding its identity. When the team was reeling early in the month, he kept them in games.
When they started to find their rhythm, he slammed the door shut on opponents. There’s a quiet confidence to his game that’s contagious - the kind that makes players want to block shots, win puck battles, and dig a little deeper knowing their goalie has their back.
And now, Dostal’s heading to the Winter Olympics to represent Czechia - a well-earned honor for a player who’s quickly becoming one of the league’s most promising young netminders.
Looking Ahead
With January in the rearview, the Ducks now turn their attention to a shorter February slate, but the stakes are only getting higher. Every point matters from here on out, especially with two key matchups looming against division rivals: the Vegas Golden Knights and the Seattle Kraken. If Anaheim wants to stay in the playoff hunt, they’ll need to keep riding the momentum - and continue leaning on Dostal, Granlund, and Sennecke to lead the charge.
The Ducks showed they can weather the lows and soar during the highs. Now it’s about consistency - and proving they belong in the postseason conversation.