ANAHEIM, Calif. — The intensity of Stanley Cup playoff hockey has a way of transforming teams. The elevated stakes and electric atmosphere push players who can rise to the occasion toward new heights of determination, skill and excellence.
The Anaheim Ducks represent the newest young squad flourishing under their inaugural experience with postseason intensity.
While breaking their organization’s seven-year absence from the playoffs, the Ducks struggled defensively throughout the regular season, frequently accepting lackluster defensive coverage and inconsistent goaltending that often went unpunished due to their scoring prowess. Anaheim gave up the fourth-highest goal total in the NHL, by far the worst among playoff qualifiers, then allowed 21 goals against the equally offensive-minded Edmonton in round one.
However, when the Ducks needed to preserve a 2-0 advantage against the experienced Vegas Golden Knights with under seven minutes remaining in Wednesday’s Game 2 of the second round, they demonstrated the postseason’s transformative power.
In one chaotic sequence near the goal, three short-handed Ducks threw themselves onto the ice to stop multiple shots — Mikael Granlund even used an extended toe to make one block — while netminder Lukas Dostal scrambled frantically from post to post, later joking he was “playing more soccer goalie than hockey goalie out there.”
The additional playoff intensity was unmistakable, and their bench teammates jumped up in celebration. Anaheim held on for a 3-1 victory, tying the series and building another layer of crucial experience for a young roster planning to compete for Stanley Cups for years ahead.
“A lot of us are going through it together for the first time … and the whole experience is just bringing us closer together,” Ducks forward Troy Terry said Thursday. “I think what you’re seeing, we can feel in our room, just how much we’re coming together at this time of year. Whether it’s a blocked shot, a goal, whatever it is, you can feel the closeness. All of us have just been so hungry for this opportunity. We were all well aware of what it would take to be successful in the playoffs, but you never really know until you get in these positions.”
Postseason action continues Friday with the Montreal Canadiens traveling to face the Buffalo Sabres before Anaheim welcomes Vegas for Game 3.
Most of the Golden Knights’ veteran core has played together for several seasons, developing the chemistry and responsibility needed for peak postseason performance.
This represents uncharted territory for the Ducks, and they’re welcoming the challenge. Anaheim has surrendered just four goals across two contests against Vegas, including an empty-net goal in Game 1 and an inconsequential power-play score with 5.6 seconds remaining in Game 2.
“I know this team had some growing pains we had to go through, but all year long we said, ‘I just can’t wait to get to the playoffs so we can see just how good these guys can be,’” coach Joel Quenneville said. “Across the board, I would have to say for sure we’re playing the best hockey we’ve shown all year.”
Anaheim posted a perfect 3-0 record at Honda Center during the opening round versus the Oilers. Orange County supporters haven’t witnessed May hockey since 2017, when the Ducks reached the Western Conference finals.
When/Where to Watch: Game 2, Friday, 7 p.m. EDT (TNT, HBO MAX).
Following some mistakes, the Buffalo Sabres executed their fast-paced, aggressive offensive style in capturing Game 1 against Montreal.
Now the Canadiens must rediscover their approach while adjusting to a contrasting opponent after Wednesday’s 4-2 defeat.
Despite Montreal’s resilience and skill in the opening round during their seven-game victory over the slower, more physical and defensively-focused Tampa Bay Lightning, the Canadiens must adjust their strategy against Buffalo.
“I can’t say that I learned anything yesterday, but I will tell you that I know we can play with them,” Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis said. “We’re just going to have to do some things a bit better.”
An improved beginning would benefit them, as the Sabres established a 2-0 first-period advantage. Though Montreal outshot Buffalo 11-1 in the final period, most attempts came from outside scoring areas.
Beyond that, the result — from Montreal’s viewpoint — was determined by several unlucky bounces.
Defenseman Lane Hutson lost his footing and lost possession in a turnover that created Buffalo’s first goal. Mike Matheson’s clearing pass was then deflected by Buffalo’s Ryan McLeod, leading to Bowen Byram’s goal that extended the lead to 4-1 during the second period.
“It’s a little bit different, but we know what to expect now,” forward Cole Caufield said when contrasting Tampa and Buffalo.
Following his team-high 51 regular season goals, Caufield focused on rediscovering his scoring ability during a four-game scoreless stretch.
“As a whole, not where I want it to be. I expect more out of myself, and my teammates do too,” he said. “Just trying to get better every game and just trying to make a difference.”
Montreal has avoided consecutive wins or losses this postseason, coming off a Tampa Bay series where all seven contests were decided by single goals — with four settled in regulation.
The Sabres also recognize room for improvement after managing just 16 shots, their lowest playoff total.
“Some of our puck decisions, I thought, weren’t up to the level that we had,” coach Lindy Ruff said, suggesting their four-day layoff may have contributed.
“I hate to say rust — but you haven’t been up and running, your game tempo isn’t quite there,” he added. “Some of our puck decisions led to opportunities, what I call giving up free offense. It wasn’t from lack of effort.”
