Ducks Season at Quarter-Mark: Quenneville Result & Surgermeng Surge – Hockey Writers – Anaheim Ducks
When the puck dropped on the 2025-26 NHL season, the consensus surrounding the Anaheim Ducks was very optimistic. A lot of speculation had them forcing a wild card spot, a respectable step forward in a long recovery. However, as we hit the season mark, the reality on the ice has put an end to those modest predictions.
Sitting at 14-7-1 with 29 points in 22 games, the Ducks aren’t just in the mix; They are avop editors for the Pacific division.
According to MonePuck, the Ducks now hold an 82.9% chance of making the postseason. If they keep anything close to this paint job, playoff hockey returns to Orange County. But understanding How With this happening, we have to look at the bench, the blue paint, and the front office that can finally be confirmed.
The Quenneville Paradigm Shift
The most important change in this banqution is the arrival of head coach Joel Quenneville. The transition from the Greg Cronin Era to Quenneville has been short on change.
Gone are the hard, low “and low chase days that frustrated the narrator and protected the author. Quenneville and his staff used a system that emphasized evil and property. It’s a modern style that plays directly to the power of overflowing with superior skill.
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Apparently, professional workers have embraced the philosophy of “controlled” freedom. Young skaters are allowed to play with mistakes rather than fearing a quick bet. This change in mindset allowed a young core to breathe, resulting in a product that not only won but arguably the most exciting hockey played in Anaheim in a decade.
Core arrives: Carlsson, Gauthier, and “Coleder” to surprise
Gambling in youth pays dividends. Leo Carlsson has officially arrived as the official number one – the only center the franchise has seen in the past. With 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points, he drives the bus well.
In his wing, the geathier cutter proves that the high-profile trade involving Ivan Provorov was a win for Anaheim. In his second full campaign, Gauthier posted 13 goals and 13 assists. You shoot with confidence and find soft snow in general.
However, the biggest storyline in the Forward team is Beckett Sennecke. Considered by many to start the year in the American Hockey League (AHL) or play limited minutes, SenneCke forced his way to the top six. Playing alongside Mason Micravish and Gauthier, he flourished, recording 16 points (seven goals, nine assists) when he was 16 years old 16 nights 16 nights. He has solidified his roster spot and currently holds the third best calder trophy odds.
On the back end, Olen Zelloleger turns out to be a devil top-ezine devinseman. Reaching 18:58 of Ice time, he moves the puck well and contributes to the game changing those quenneville awards.
Verbeek confirmation: “Ranger West” to try
General manager Pat verbeeeek faced significant heat in this mprovesion to get aging veterans, directly from the new york rangers. Critics say these measures stifle innovation. Verbeek argued that they would introduce themselves. At the quarter mark, the verbeek looks good.
Chris Kreider found the fountain of youth. With 15 points, including 10 goals, he has been strong in the perfect position in the power play and the toughness in the front line. Similarly, Jacob Compaba has introduced many doubters. While his contract remains heavy, his performance on the ice is solid. Saved by 13 points and reached a big time in 22: 43 of Ice time, Grankba eats difficult defensive minutes that would crush a rookie like Zellweger.
These veterans were in the ranks of New York; In Anaheim, they have been revived, providing the necessary ballast to operate.
Source clouds: Mintyukov and commercial application
Despite a stellar track record, it’s not all sunshine in southern California. There is an internal rift that management must deal with.
The most interesting argument is the situation involving Defenseman Pavel Mintyukov. In what is being billed as the odd surprise of the season, Mintyukov once again pulled off a major setback. After the return of Radko Gudas, Mintyukov found himself as a healthy addition, passed on the depth chart by Ian Moore.
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With only three points in 19 games and his Ice Dwinding time, the relationship is reported. Elliotte Friedman reported that Mintyukov requested a trade. Moving a small, inexpensive devisnseman is rarely a winning proposition, but if the bridge is burned, verbeek is faced with a difficult decision.
In addition, Frank Vatrano has become the leader of the group. With only two goals and one assist, his offensive production has fallen off a cliff. His contract is starting to look like an anchor, and there are real concerns that a touch of a fix has emerged.
In addition, there is the “zegras factor.” Watching Trevor Zegras thrive with the Philadelphia Flyers is an easy feat for the current front office. It suggests that maybe the problem was not the player, but the previous environment. One has to wonder if Zegras can be done under a coach like Quenneville.
Sustainability and Pacific mining
The Pacific section is strong. While the Ducks are leading, the Vegas Golden Knights remain favorites, and the Los Angeles Kings are targeting a top three finish. The Edmonton Oiders, despite a fast start, are invincible; They will be knocking on the door soon.
GoalTender setter and analyst Carter Hutton recently noted the fear of “burning” the Ducks. Concerns are valid. Anaheim is upping while the veteran teams behind it rally through Marathon. The Ducks’ penalty kill also remains weak, often prioritizing the offense’s defensive formations – a practice that savvy veteran teams will adopt as the season grinds on.
The decision
The Ducks are in much higher shape than anyone expected. This is the “reform of the guard”, where the reconstruction is officially bearing fruit.
However, they are like a marathon runner who started to lead early. They’ve stunned the field with their speed and indoor power, but experienced runners—vegas, edmonton, LA—are right on their heels.
As the trade deadline approaches, verbeek is faced with an interesting strategic choice. Are you pushing his chips in, adding reinforcements to strengthen this playing field? Or do they sit back, trust the process, and prioritize core development, knowing that even a competitive miss is a step forward?
For the first time in years, the Ducks are playing meaningful hockey in November. The question now is whether they will be playing sensible hockey in April.
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