The Anaheim Ducks, who have secured a spot in the playoffs for the first time since the 2017-18 season, are set to play their last two regular season games on the road, starting with a matchup against the Minnesota Wild on April 14.
This development is significant as it marks the Ducks’ 15th appearance in the postseason and their 12th in the past two decades. The team’s achievement comes after years of missing out or falling short of their goals.
Head coach Joel Quenneville said, “It’s a great feeling. It’s something we set out to do from the start of the year. We had some ups and downs and some great moments and tough moments, but it made it all worthwhile.”
Troy Terry, Anaheim’s longest-tenured player, reflected on his experience with the team: “It’s been years where we’ve been close, years where we haven’t been close and years where it’s been hard to see the end goal, so it’s been quite the journey, especially, selfishly for me, just being here through it all. It’s a great feeling. I’ve been dying to play in these games and I know some of these other young guys [have too.] We’ve got guys that have won Cups and stuff that are just as excited, too. The energy is great in the room right now. It’s been a lot of work and time that’s been put into this.”
As they approach tonight’s game against Minnesota—who also clinched a playoff spot—the Ducks sit third in their division with 90 points behind Vegas (93) and Edmonton (91). Playoff seeding has yet to be determined with only days left before postseason play begins.
Quenneville said about upcoming games: “We’ve still got some options here. So, let’s do it one at a time here and try and get some points.” Terry added regarding these matchups: “We have two playoff games, that’s how we view it. They mean a lot and where we fall into the whole picture. Big, big games for us tonight and moving forward.”
Minnesota enters this contest following a loss to St. Louis while resting several players ahead of its own playoff run.