In a high-stakes Pacific Division showdown on Thursday night, the Anaheim Ducks solidified their position at the top of the standings with a hard-fought 5-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Led by a standout performance from Mikael Granlund, who netted two goals, the Ducks managed to weather a resilient Vancouver comeback and secure two crucial points as the regular season winds down.
Granlund and Killorn Spark the Ducks' Offense
The Anaheim Ducks vs Vancouver Canucks matchup lived up to its billing as a physical, back-and-forth affair. Mikael Granlund was the catalyst for the Ducks, finding the back of the net twice to provide the offensive cushion Anaheim needed. Granlund’s first goal came during a critical stretch in the second period, helping the Ducks claim a 2-1 lead after a scoreless opening frame where both teams struggled to find their rhythm.
Veteran forward Alex Killorn also played a pivotal role in the victory. Killorn notched a goal and an assist, continuing his trend of delivering in high-pressure games. His ability to create space and facilitate play was evident throughout the night, particularly during the second period when the Ducks outshot the Canucks 14-12. Defenseman John Carlson provided the vision from the blue line, finishing the night with three assists, while goaltender Lukas Dostal stood tall with 27 saves to keep the Canucks at bay.
McTavish Snaps Drought with Clutch Game-Winner
While Granlund and Killorn provided the early spark, it was Mason McTavish who delivered the knockout blow. McTavish, who had been mired in a 15-game goal drought, chose the perfect moment to find his scoring touch. At the 5:45 mark of the third period, with the game knotted at 3-3, McTavish blasted a one-timer over the glove of Vancouver’s Kevin Lankinen to give Anaheim a lead they would not relinquish.
The goal was McTavish’s 14th of the season and served as a major relief for the young forward. "It’s been a while, so it felt good to contribute in a win like this," McTavish noted following the game. Troy Terry eventually sealed the 5-3 win with an empty-net goal in the final minute, ensuring the Ducks moved to a 40-27-4 record for the season.
Special Teams and Milestones: Pettersson Hits 500
The Vancouver Canucks did not go down without a fight, largely thanks to their effective special teams play. Both Jake DeBrusk and Brock Boeser capitalized on power-play opportunities to keep Vancouver in the hunt. Drew O'Connor also added a goal for the Canucks, who managed to tie the game twice after falling behind. Despite the loss, the night was historic for Vancouver superstar Elias Pettersson.
Pettersson recorded two assists in the contest, the second of which marked the 500th regular-season point of his NHL career. It was a significant milestone for the franchise cornerstone, though it was overshadowed by the team's defensive lapses late in the third period. Filip Hronek also contributed two assists, and Kevin Lankinen finished the night with 29 saves in a losing effort.
Gudas Returns as Ducks Tighten Grip on Pacific Division
Beyond the scoresheet, the Ducks received a major emotional and physical boost with the return of defenseman Radko Gudas. Gudas had been sidelined for five games due to a suspension following a knee-on-knee hit on Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews. His return stabilized the Anaheim defense and added the veteran grit necessary to close out a desperate Vancouver squad.
With this victory, the Anaheim Ducks maintain a five-point lead over the second-place Edmonton Oilers in the Pacific Division. As the playoffs approach, the Ducks' ability to win tight games against divisional rivals like the Canucks suggests they are finding their peak form at the right time. Vancouver, meanwhile, continues to struggle with consistency, falling to 21-40-8 on the year as they look to build for next season.
Sources & Original Reporting
