The Anaheim Ducks are making waves this season, and it looks like their long playoff drought might finally be coming to an end. Their recent 6-5 victory over the Edmonton Oilers, led by none other than Connor McDavid, was a testament to their newfound prowess.
But what's the secret sauce behind their success? Look no further than Coach Joel Quenneville, who just hit a monumental milestone in his NHL career.
Coach Quenneville's Historic Achievement
Coach Quenneville notched his 1,000th NHL victory, joining the elite company of Scotty Bowman as the only coaches to reach four-digit wins. With a record of 1,000-595-153, Quenneville still trails the legendary Bowman by 244 wins, but that wasn't the focus as his Ducks faced off against the Oilers.
Quenneville's priority was simple: keep the playoff hopes alive. "I wasn't prioritizing the number.
I just wanted to play well tonight and find a way to win. That was the motivation, and it turned out to be a very special one as well," he shared.
The game was a rollercoaster, with both teams having their moments of dominance.
A Thrilling Comeback
The Ducks found themselves in a tight spot, trailing 4-2 as they entered the third period. But that’s when Cutter Gauthier and the Anaheim defense turned up the heat.
They managed to tie the game at 5-5, setting the stage for some late-game heroics. Gauthier seized the moment, capitalizing on a rebound from Leo Carlsson's shot to clinch the win.
Impact on the Standings
This victory significantly impacts the postseason landscape. The Ducks are now just five points shy of the Pacific Division-leading Vegas Golden Knights, and they've put some distance between themselves and the Oilers, who trail by a point and three wins.
With momentum firmly on their side, having won eight of their last ten games, the Ducks are making a strong case for a top spot in their division. The big question remains: can they maintain this momentum and finish at the top when the dust settles? Fans are certainly hoping so.