Ducks secure playoff berth for first time since 2018

The Anaheim Ducks have punched their ticket to the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs, ending an eight-year absence from postseason play. The clinch came without the Ducks even skating, thanks to the San Jose Sharks’ 3-2 victory over the Nashville Predators on April 14. 1 2 Anaheim, sitting at 42-32-6 with 90 points after 80 games, now shifts focus to their final two regular-season matchups knowing a playoff spot is locked in.

This marks the Ducks’ first playoff appearance since 2018, snapping a seven-season drought where they never finished higher than sixth in the Pacific Division. The turnaround comes under new head coach Joel Quenneville, who took over last May and guided the team to 13th in NHL scoring at 3.23 goals per game—a stark improvement from bottom-three finishes in prior years. 1

Sharks’ gritty win hands Ducks the clinch

The pivotal game unfolded in Nashville, where the Sharks snapped a 15-game losing streak against the Predators. Igor Chernyshov opened the scoring on a power-play goal in the second period at 9:53, assisted by William Eklund and Michael Misa. This early strike set the tone for San Jose’s defensive effort. 2

San Jose goalie Alex Nedeljkovic stood tall with 25 saves, while Nashville’s Justus Annunen made 20 stops in defeat. The Predators mounted a late charge in the third, with Luke Evangelista scoring twice—at 15:39 and 18:50—but it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit.

This loss eliminated any slim hopes for Nashville and directly benefited idle Anaheim. The Ducks had been monitoring scenarios closely, needing help from out West to secure their spot without playing.

The Sharks’ victory was their first against Nashville in 16 tries, ending the Predators’ longest winning streak against a single opponent. For San Jose, it provided a bright spot amid their own playoff elimination later that night.

Celebrini’s milestone night powers Sharks

Macklin Celebrini stole the show in the third period, netting both Sharks goals to reach 44 on the season. His first came at 3:04, assisted by Chernyshov and Will Smith, followed by an empty-netter at 18:15 with help from Collin Graf and Alexander Wennberg. 2

This performance marked Celebrini’s 30th multi-point game, tying Owen Nolan (1999-00) and Patrick Marleau (2009-10) for second-most in Sharks history behind Jonathan Cheechoo’s 56 in 2005-06. The young star has been a revelation, factoring into nearly half of San Jose’s goals this year.

Despite the personal highs, Celebrini’s efforts couldn’t extend the Sharks’ season. Los Angeles’ win over Seattle sealed San Jose’s seventh straight playoff miss—just six times in their first 27 seasons.

Fans praised Celebrini’s poise under pressure, highlighting his growth into one of the league’s top young talents. His season totals position him among elite scorers.

Anaheim’s key contributors this season

Cutter Gauthier leads the Ducks with 40 goals and 67 points in 74 games, providing offensive firepower. Leo Carlsson adds 66 points (29 goals, 37 assists) in 68 games, while rookie Beckett Sennecke impresses with 60 points (23 goals, 37 assists) over 80 outings. 1

Defenseman John Carlson, acquired from Washington on March 5, has nine points (four goals, five assists) in 14 games, including his first NHL hat trick in a 6-1 rout of the Sharks on April 9. His veteran presence bolsters the blue line.

In net, Lukas Dostal anchors with a 30-19-4 record, 3.10 GAA, and .889 save percentage in 55 starts. Ville Husso supports with 9-8-2, 3.21 GAA in 19 games.

These contributions have Anaheim tied for second in the Pacific with Edmonton (one point behind Vegas), holding 31 regulation wins.

Ducks’ playoff positioning and remaining schedule

Anaheim enters the final stretch with games at Minnesota on Tuesday and Nashville on Thursday. Playoffs begin Saturday, giving them time to fine-tune. 3

Currently at 46% wildcard probability per models, but the clinch shifts focus to seeding. They trail Vegas by one point but lead in other tiebreakers potentially.

A strong finish could secure home ice or division title. Recent form shows 3-5-2 in last 10, but no series win since 2017.

For more on the Ducks’ path, check the official NHL standings update. 4

Sharks bow out after Celebrini heroics

San Jose’s elimination came swiftly after the Kings topped Seattle. Missing playoffs seven straight years contrasts their early success.

Celebrini’s 44 goals highlight individual brilliance amid team struggles. Nedeljkovic’s 25 saves offered hope, but not enough.

Evangelista’s late goals (11 and 12 on season) kept Nashville alive briefly. For full box score, see ESPN’s recap. 2

The Sharks look to build around young stars like Celebrini heading into 2026-27.

The Ducks’ return to the playoffs reignites hope in Anaheim after years of rebuilding. With momentum from Quenneville’s system and rising stars like Gauthier and Sennecke, they aim beyond just qualifying—targeting a deep run. Two games remain to build confidence; the postseason awaits with fresh opportunity. What seeding they grab could define their spring fate.