ANAHEIM, Calif. – The Anaheim Ducks are making headlines this season, and not just for their striking uniforms. Under the guidance of head coach Paul Maurice, the Ducks have emerged as a formidable force in the NHL, boasting an impressive average of 4.13 goals per game, the highest in the league. Their current record of 11-3-1 marks the team’s best start in twelve years and includes a remarkable seven-game win streak.
Maurice, whose Florida Panthers faced the Ducks twice within a week, highlighted the offense’s explosive capabilities, attributing much of their success to a fast-paced, transition-oriented game led by a collection of talented young players. This strategy has proved effective, as evidenced by their recent performances where they scored a staggering seven goals in games against the Panthers and the Dallas Stars. Remarkably, the Ducks have achieved this seven-goal benchmark four times this season, an unprecedented feat in the franchise’s 32-year history.
A critical factor in the Ducks’ resurgence is the development of emerging star Leo Carlsson, selected second overall in the 2023 draft. After taking time to manage his play during the first half of his rookie season, Carlsson has exploded onto the scene. Currently riding a ten-game point streak, he shares second place in the scoring leaderboard with 25 points, showcasing the potential that made him a top draft pick. His contributions have not gone unnoticed; opposing coaches have remarked on his impressive evolution as a forward.
Carlsson isn’t the only young talent driving the Ducks’ offensive success. Cutter Gauthier, only 21, is among the league’s goal leaders with 11 tallies, and Beckett Sennecke, the third pick in the 2024 draft, has also made a significant impact with six goals in his rookie season. On defense, 24-year-old Jackson LaCombe is leading a youthful defensive squad that is central to the Ducks’ transition game.
General Manager Pat Verbeek made several strategic moves in the offseason, acquiring veteran players such as Chris Kreider and Mikael Granlund to provide necessary experience alongside the rising stars. Although Verbeek traded more seasoned players like John Gibson and Trevor Zegras, the influx of younger talent and the veteran presence has bolstered the team morale and performance. Kreider, in particular, has made a substantial impact, demonstrating skill and leadership that has further enhanced the team’s competitive edge.
Moreover, the addition of a new coaching staff, including the seasoned Joel Quenneville, has invigorated the team’s approach to play. Under Quenneville’s tutelage, the Ducks are encouraged to engage in an up-tempo style that capitalizes on their offensive talents. This has led to noticeable improvements in their special teams and overall gameplay, allowing skill players like Carlsson, Gauthier, and Troy Terry to thrive.
As the Ducks prepare to face the Colorado Avalanche in a nationally televised match, the broader NHL community watches closely to see if they can sustain their momentum. Their recent performances hint at the possibility of breaking their seven-year playoff drought and establishing themselves as genuine contenders. With a mix of explosive young talent and seasoned veterans, the Ducks may just be on the cusp of a significant resurgence in the league.