Apr 3, 2025; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish (23) controls the puck against Calgary Flames center Morgan Frost (16) during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

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Anaheim Ducks Eliminated from 2025 Stanley Cup Playoff Contention

Ducks Miss Playoffs for Seventh Straight Season After 4-1 Loss to Flames

The Anaheim Duck’s aspirations for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs were officially dashed following a 4-1 defeat to the Calgary Flames on Thursday, April 3, 2025. This loss cements the Ducks’ absence from postseason play for the seventh consecutive season. The matchup began with early momentum for Calgary, as Nazem Kadri netted a goal just 16 seconds into the first period. Anaheim responded at 8:01 when Olen Zellweger capitalized on a cross-crease pass from Ryan Strome during an odd-man rush, leveling the score at 1-1.

The Flames regained control in the second period. Blake Coleman broke the tie with a short-handed breakaway goal at 10:25, marking his first goal in ten games. Kevin Rooney extended Calgary’s lead to 3-1 at 15:19, snapping an 18-game personal scoring drought. Coleman further solidified the Flames’ advantage early in the third period with a power-play goal.

Taking quackshots 💔🥀

The Anaheim Ducks will be excluded from the NHL's playoffs for the seventh straight season — the third-longest active playoff appearance drought in the league. pic.twitter.com/XbA6EyxtnF
— PuckEmpire (@puckempire) April 4, 2025

Anaheim’s goaltender, John Gibson, faced challenges throughout the game. After stopping 23 of 26 shots, Gibson exited after the second period due to a lower-body injury sustained during a collision with Flames forward Martin Pospisil. Lukas Dostal stepped in for the final period, allowing one goal on eight shots.

The Anaheim Ducks’ elimination from playoff contention stemmed from a combination of factors that plagued their season. As of their official exit, the team held a 33-34-8 record, positioning them sixth in the Pacific Division and trailing the final Western Conference wild-card spot by 15 points with only seven games left.

Also Read: NHL Playoff Clinching Scenarios: Who’s In & Who’s Still Fighting?

Their exceptional team’s inefficiency further hindered their progress, with a power play success rate of just 16.7% (ranked 27th in the NHL) and a penalty kill operating at 76.9% (28th in the league). Additionally, injuries played a crucial role in the Ducks’ struggles, most notably the absence of forward Trevor Zegras, who missed 25 games due to an upper-body injury, limiting the team’s offensive power.

General Manager Pat Verbeek and Head Coach Greg Cronin are focused on building upon the team’s progress. Emphasizing player development and strategic acquisitions during the offseason will be crucial for the Ducks to break their playoff drought in the 2025-2026 season.

Image Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

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Anamika Shrivastava

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I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!