The Anaheim Ducks’ team name was inspired by the 1992 Disney movie, The Mighty Ducks.
However, over the last decade, Anaheim has been anything but mighty.
They have not made the playoffs since the 2017-18 NHL season.
However, things are trending in the right direction.
Last season, the Ducks missed the playoffs, but they finished with a 35-37-10 record. The 80 points were the highest since the 2018-19 season.
They have continued to improve as they are off to a very good start to the 2025-26 NHL season.
Anaheim is tied for first in the Pacific division with a 20-12-1 record and has 41 points.
Anaheim Ducks Having Best Start Since 2014-15 Season
The Anaheim Ducks, through 33 games this season, are off to their best start since the 2014-15 season.
Here is their record through 33 games since the 2014-15 season:
- 2014-15: 22-8-3
- 2015-16: 12-15-6
- 2016-17: 17-11-5
- 2017-18: 15-13-5
- 2018-19: 14-15-4
- 2019-20: 14-16-3
- 2020-21: 10-18-5
- 2021-22: 15-11-7
- 2022-23: 8-21-4
- 2023-24: 12-20-1
- 2024-25: 15-18-0
- 2025-26: 20-12-1
This has been an impressive start for the Ducks. It is a young team that will continue to improve. The average age is 27.25 years old, which is the eighth youngest team in the league.
The two leaders in points for the Ducks are Leo Carlsson, who is 20 years old and has 41 points, and Cutter Gauthier, who is 21 years old and has 36 points.
Young Offensive Playmakers Leading The Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks have one of the best offenses in the league. They rank second in the league in goals scored per game.
Four players have 27 or more points for the Ducks this season, and three of them are 21 years or younger.
- Leo Carlsson: 41 points (17 goals and 24 assists)
- Cutter Gauthier: 36 points (18 goals and 18 assists)
- Troy Terry: 34 points (10 goals and 24 assists)
- Beckett Sennecke: 27 points (10 goals and 17 assists)
Carlsson is 20 years old, Gauthier is 21, and Sennecke is just 19 years old.
Carlsson is top 10 in the league in points at a young age.
This offense has been the main reason the Ducks are tied for first in the Pacific Division through 33 games played.
They will just continue to get better.
Goaltending Is An Issue For The Anaheim Ducks
While the offense has been very good for the Ducks, goaltending has not been.
Three netminders have gotten starts this season. Petr Mrazek is injured and has not played since November 30.
- Lukas Dostal: 12-6-1 record with a 2.73 GAA and .905 SV%
- Petr Mrazek: 3-3-0 record with a 3.69 GAA and .876 SV%
- Ville Husso: 7-5-3 record with a 3.16 GAA and .888 SV%
Dostal has allowed three or more goals in 11 of 19 starts. He is the main netminder and is 25 years old. Anaheim hopes he can improve as he is still a young goaltender.
Anaheim ranks 24th in goals allowed per game.
The defense is not helping the netminders. They rank 25th in shots allowed per game.
For Anaheim to continue its success this season, both its goaltending and defense will need to improve.
Anaheim Ducks Looking To Break Playoff Drought
The Anaheim Ducks have not made the playoffs since the 2017-18 season.
Through 33 games this season, the Ducks are off to their best start since the 2014-15 season.
With a very young core on offense, the Ducks look to be in good hands for the future.
As for this season, they are playing better than expected.
The offense has been one of the best in the league this year. They rank second in goals per game.
Leo Carlsson is top 10 in the league in points at the age of 20.
While the offense has been good, goaltending and defense have not been.
Anaheim ranks 24th in goals allowed per game and 25th in shots allowed per game.
For the Ducks to make the playoffs, their offense will need to continue to play this well. Their goaltending will remain a weakness this season, but if Dostal can improve throughout the season, this will further boost the chances for the Ducks to make the playoffs.
Anaheim is off to a good start, but to end their playoff drought, they will need Dostal to play better.
