Veteran-Laden Knights, Youthful Ducks to Clash in Second Round
The Vegas Golden Knights and the Anaheim Ducks are set to meet in the Western Conference second-round series, marking their first-ever playoff encounter in 38 games over nine seasons. The series begins on Monday night in Las Vegas.
Regular Season Performance
The Golden Knights, who defeated the Utah Mammoth in six games in the first round, have dominated the Ducks with a 27-8-3 all-time record, including 15-3-1 at home. However, the Ducks won all three meetings this season, including two in overtime.
Ducks’ Young Talent
Anaheim’s youthful roster, led by 22-year-old left wing Cutter Gauthier, who scored 41 goals in the regular season, and 21-year-old center Leo Carlsson, the second overall pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, will face off against the veteran-laden Knights. The Ducks’ power play was particularly lethal, converting eight of 16 chances (50%) against the Edmonton Oilers.
Golden Knights’ Preparation
Vegas center Jack Eichel, who led the team with nine points against the Mammoth, noted that the Ducks are a fast team, and the Golden Knights will need to draw from their experience against the Mammoth to counter Anaheim’s speed. Golden Knights defenseman Noah Hanifin added that the Ducks are a good team with some experience on the backend, and the series should be a lot of fun.
Injury Update
Vegas fans were given a scare when Eichel departed practice on Sunday after getting hit in the lip with a puck, but he returned to finish practice. Additionally, center William Karlsson, out since suffering a lower-body injury on November 8, returned to practice on Sunday, and the team remains tight-lipped about his possible return to the lineup.
Quote from the Coach
First-year Anaheim coach Joel Quenneville, who led the Chicago Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup titles, stated that now that the team has a taste of playoff hockey, it’s clear that games with more meaning are more fun, and the excitement will grow from this level on.
The series promises to be an exciting matchup between the veteran-laden Golden Knights and the youthful Ducks. With the Ducks’ speed and power play prowess facing off against the Golden Knights’ experience and defensive responsibility, this series is sure to be a thrilling one.
Follow us for more updates on the NHL playoffs and other sports news.
Sources:
- Field Level Media
Copyright 2026 Field Level Media. All Rights Reserved.
