The Anaheim Ducks find themselves in a surprisingly significant position this season, leading the Pacific Division after 27 games in early December of the 2025-26 NHL season. They are on course to break a seven-year playoff drought. However, their hold on the top spot is somewhat fragile, with only a one-point advantage over the Las Vegas Golden Knights, who have played one fewer game. A mere five-point gap separates them from falling out of playoff contention.
The Ducks started strong under new coaching staff and initially caught opponents off guard, but other teams are now adapting to their strategies. One consistent performer throughout the season has been goalie Lucas Dostal, who has been crucial in covering for the team’s defensive shortcomings. Dostal is expected to return soon from an upper-body injury, having missed the last five games during which the Ducks went 2-3-0. Before his injury, Dostal posted an 11-5-1 record with a .904 save percentage and ranked tied for 12th in the NHL for goals saved above expected.
Improvement is needed in the penalty kill, which ranks 27th in the league with a 75% success rate. This weak area is concerning given the Ducks have taken 97 minor penalties, ranking 10th in the NHL, and average 10.2 penalty minutes per game, the 8th highest. Head coach Joel Quenneville and assistant Ryan McGill have begun making strategic adjustments, starting with personnel changes on the penalty kill unit. Notably, star players Jackson Lacombe, Leo Karlsson, and Troy Terry have been removed from the penalty kill role.
Pavel Minchukov now leads the penalty kill alongside Jacob Trouba, with Drew Helleson and Radko Gudas forming the second unit. Ryan Poehling and Alex Killorn are the primary forwards on the kill, supported by Chris Kreider, Frank Vatrano, Jansen Haakens, and Cutter Gauthier. Quenneville acknowledges the team had a strong start on the penalty kill but took too many penalties, allowing opponents to anticipate their approach. The goal is to manage player ice time effectively while enhancing team cohesion and defensive pressure.
After trying this new approach in two games, the Ducks have successfully killed seven out of eight penalties, winning 4-1 against the Blues but suffering a heavy 7-0 defeat to the Utah Mammoths. Karlsson and Terry, both defensively talented, were considered too aggressive when paired, often overextending during penalty kills. Lacombe traditionally excels in rush defense but has struggled this season with net-front battles, often allowing opposing players to screen the goalie and capitalize on rebounds.
Despite a limited sample size, the Ducks are striking a better balance between aggression and caution on the penalty kill, allowing Karlsson, Terry, and Lacombe to conserve energy for five-on-five play and power plays. Upcoming games, such as their Friday match against the hot Washington Capitals—who lead the Metropolitan Division but have a struggling power play—will serve as a test for Anaheim’s penalty kill progression.
Fan Take: The Ducks’ resurgence after a long playoff drought is thrilling for hockey fans who crave fresh competition in the Pacific Division. Their ongoing penalty kill adjustments and Dostal’s return could significantly impact their playoff hopes, making Anaheim a team to watch this season as they reshape their identity in the NHL.
