Anaheim Ducks Clinch Playoff Spot; Streaks Galore Out West
Apr 5, 2024 10:28:33 GMT -5
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Post by Anaheim GM on Apr 5, 2024 10:28:33 GMT -5
Anaheim, CA.- Last night at the Honda Center, the Anaheim Ducks became the first team in the Western Conference to clinch a playoff spot with their 4-3 victory against a rudderless Chicago Blackhawks. Back to back goals in the third period by veteran defenseman, Mattias Ekholm secured the win and a spot in the Western Conference postseason. "He (Ekholm) is a big-moment-kind-of-player and he simply took over the game in the third period," said captain Matthew Barzal. "He wanted the puck on his stick and he made it happen."
Just behind the Ducks in the standings, however, both the division rival Edmonton Oilers (12) and the Colorado Avalanche (6) have won a combined 18 games in a row. Despite it, the Anaheim Duck coaching staff continues to stay focused on what they can control, said head coach Jared Bednar. "The two teams behind us just forgot how to lose as of late, and that is no surprise as it has been a year of big streaks for several teams this season. We always expect the stretch run to be wild one. We will continue to do what we have done all year, and that is to stay focused on what is in front of us which is the next game."
"I say this every year and I mean it: It is not important where we finish in the standings. Historically, this team has won two out of its three Cups playing on the road, so the most important thing, and we are grateful for it (and the players worked hard to accomplis it) is to have a playoff opportunity. The West has a lot of talented teams/organizations and, quite frankly, any one of the teams in the top 9-10 could win a Cup if given a chance, in my opinion," Kopsack told reporters. "We are glad we have that chance this year," Kopsack concluded.
Just behind the Ducks in the standings, however, both the division rival Edmonton Oilers (12) and the Colorado Avalanche (6) have won a combined 18 games in a row. Despite it, the Anaheim Duck coaching staff continues to stay focused on what they can control, said head coach Jared Bednar. "The two teams behind us just forgot how to lose as of late, and that is no surprise as it has been a year of big streaks for several teams this season. We always expect the stretch run to be wild one. We will continue to do what we have done all year, and that is to stay focused on what is in front of us which is the next game."
"I say this every year and I mean it: It is not important where we finish in the standings. Historically, this team has won two out of its three Cups playing on the road, so the most important thing, and we are grateful for it (and the players worked hard to accomplis it) is to have a playoff opportunity. The West has a lot of talented teams/organizations and, quite frankly, any one of the teams in the top 9-10 could win a Cup if given a chance, in my opinion," Kopsack told reporters. "We are glad we have that chance this year," Kopsack concluded.