The Anaheim Ducks sit just one point behind the Vegas Golden Knights in the Pacific Division with 75 points through 66 games, boasting a 98.2% chance of reaching the playoffs.[1][2] This marks a stunning turnaround from last season, when they had only a 0.1% playoff probability at the same stage and finished 16 points out of a wild-card spot. Now in second place ahead of Sunday’s games, the Ducks are firmly in contention for their first division crown since 2019.
A victory over the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday could propel them atop the standings. With favorable remaining matchups—including just four against current playoff teams—the Ducks hold an edge over rivals like Vegas and Edmonton. Stathletes projects them at 95 points, close behind Vegas’ 95.7.[1]
Pacific Division standings snapshot
Vegas leads with 76 points in 67 games, but Anaheim’s 75 in 66 gives them games in hand. Edmonton trails at 73 points, holding third but facing a tougher slate.
Here’s the current Pacific pecking order:
| Team | Points | Games Played | Games Left | Playoff Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vegas Golden Knights | 76 | 67 | 15 | P1 |
| Anaheim Ducks | 75 | 66 | 16 | P2 |
| Edmonton Oilers | 73 | ? | 15 | P3 |
| San Jose Sharks | 70 | ? | 18 | WC2 |
The Ducks’ regulation wins stand at 21, pacing toward 93.2 points overall. Their recent form includes a 6-5 shootout win over Montreal on March 6, showcasing resilience.[1]
This positioning echoes the Ducks’ midseason surge, as explored in our NHL Pacific division race coverage where the Ducks seized control. Injuries to key players like goalie Lukas Dostal have tested depth, yet they’ve maintained momentum.
Projections from MoneyPuck align closely, giving Anaheim 94.3% playoff odds and positioning them as division contenders.[2] Vegas edges them slightly, but Anaheim’s lighter schedule could flip the script.
Edmonton’s eight games against playoff teams loom large, potentially widening the gap. The Ducks’ path features softer opponents, boosting their title hopes.
Remaining schedule breakdown
Post-Montreal, Anaheim has 15 games left, with only four versus playoff-positioned foes. This contrasts sharply with competitors.
- Vegas: 15 games, six against playoff teams.
- Edmonton: 14 after Sunday, eight tough matchups.
Key stretches include back-to-back road games in Canada and home dates against non-contenders. The season ends April 16, with Anaheim and Edmonton playing that day—perfect for drama.
Our analysis of the Oilers’ 2026 playoff projections in the Pacific underscores how Edmonton’s slate hampers them compared to Anaheim’s.
Historically, the Ducks thrive late; last year’s fade was an outlier amid rebuild. This year’s youth movement—led by breakouts like Beckett Sennecke—fuels optimism.
Avoiding slumps like January’s eight-game skid will be crucial. Consistency in special teams has been a hallmark lately.
Playoff picture and matchups
Western Conference brackets show P1 Vegas versus WC1 Utah Mammoth, with P2 Anaheim facing P3 Edmonton. A Ducks division win secures home ice.
Current projected Western matchups:
- C1 Colorado Avalanche vs. WC2 San Jose Sharks
- C2 Dallas Stars vs. C3 Minnesota Wild
- P1 Vegas Golden Knights vs. WC1 Utah Mammoth
- P2 Anaheim Ducks vs. P3 Edmonton Oilers
East features Buffalo-Tampa intrigue, but West’s Pacific battle captivates. Ducks’ 98.2% odds dwarf last year’s despair.[1]
ESPN’s full playoff watch details the chaos, including today’s slate like Ducks at Canadiens.
Bubble teams like Seattle (12.1%) lurk, but Anaheim’s lock status shifts focus to seeding.
Draft lottery odds favor tankers like Vancouver (48 points), irrelevant for playoff-bound Ducks.
Path to the division crown
Stathletes favors Vegas narrowly, but Anaheim’s schedule strength tips scales. A win Sunday erases the deficit instantly.
Young stars’ emergence mirrors franchises like Colorado’s rise. Coach’s impact—echoing Quenneville-era tweaks—transforms them.
Injuries tested resolve; Dostal’s absence forced adaptation, yet wins persisted. Depth proves key in tight races.
Fans recall 2025’s heartbreak; 2026 redemption beckons. Tiebreakers favor regulation wins, where Ducks hold steady.
Sunday’s ESPN+ tilt (7 p.m. ET) spotlights momentum. Last night’s Ottawa loss stings, but Montreal rematch avenges.
The race extends to April 16, with daily shifts. Ducks control destiny amid projections.
Looking ahead to playoffs
Anaheim’s transformation—from lottery fringe to contender—highlights smart building. Playoff berth near-certain, title realistic.
A Pacific crown means Edmonton first-round clash, home edge through division series potentially. Cup odds low but growing via MoneyPuck projections.[2]
Monitor standings daily; tragic numbers irrelevant for locks. Ducks embody resurgence—watch them soar.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.