March 1, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks left wing Cutter Gauthier (61) skates with the puck against the Calgary Flames in the second period at the Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Corinne Votaw-Imagn Image Even during the Olympic break, the Anaheim Ducks haven’t slowed down their surge and will look to continue their push toward the top of the Pacific Division when they host the Colorado Avalanche on Tuesday night.
Anaheim has won five straight, including coach Joel Quenneville’s 1,000th career win, and is one point behind Vegas in the Pacific region. The Ducks have played one fewer game than the Golden Knights and can leapfrog them with a win over Colorado on Tuesday and a loss to Buffalo in Vegas.
In addition to their overall winning streak, Anaheim has won eight straight at home. The Ducks have trailed entering the third period in each of their last three games, but have rallied to win each game.
“We are ready to play for 60 minutes,” said goalkeeper Lucas Dostal. “We are always there, always ready to play for 60 minutes. And we have young legs, young players. I believe that is our strength.”
Anaheim has relied on a balanced attack to put up impressive performances. After going 2-11-2 from December 11 to January 10, the Ducks have won 12 of 14 games. In the latest win, a 3-2 win over the Calgary Flames on Saturday, Cutter Gauthier scored twice to increase his team-leading goal total to 28. His 52 points also lead the club.
Beckett Seneque (19 goals, 30 assists) and Leo Carlson (20 goals, 29 assists) tied for second with 49 points each, while Jackson Larcombe ranked first among the Ducks with 34 assists.
Anaheim has a day off while Colorado plays in Los Angeles on Monday. The league-leading Avalanche, who beat the Kings 4-2 in their last five games to secure their second straight win and fourth place, were fortunate to pull off back-to-back wins. The two stadiums are just 30 miles apart.
Colorado’s win on Monday was costly because second-line winger Artturi Lehkonen left the game in the first period with an upper-body injury and did not return.
Coach Jared Bednar told reporters after the game that Lehkonen would not play against the Ducks and would “miss some time.”
The Avalanche have Nathan MacKinnon, who continues to play at an MVP level. MacKinnon scored his NHL-leading 41st goal and added an assist to bring his point total to 99. That ranks second in the league behind Edmonton’s Connor McDavid’s 103 points.
MacKinnon scored twice in three straight games after playing against the Utah Mammoth in the Avalanche’s first game since the Olympics. MacKinnon helped Canada win the silver medal and enjoyed the experience despite an overtime loss to Team USA in the gold medal game.
“I had an amazing time. It was a truly unique hockey experience. I have nothing but great memories,” he said. “I’m really excited to get back here and try to chase down home ice (in the playoffs).”
MacKinnon’s linemate Martin Necas has also been thriving since the NHL season resumed. Necas recorded 4 goals and 5 assists in 4 games after the Olympics, increasing his season total to 71 points (26 goals, 45 assists). He had one goal and two assists for Los Angeles, as did teammate Gabriel Landeskog.
–Field level media
