Happy Friday the 13th (again). Despite losing to the Toronto Maple Leafs in a game that featured another Radko Gudas hit that has made most of Canda hate him (again), the Anaheim Ducks have been on quite of run of late. The Ducks have won 15 of their past 20 games, which has catapulted them into first place in the Pacific Division. For all of the good vibes of the 2025-26 season though, the Anaheim Ducks have been haunted by some unlucky numbers, which have either originated from poor decisions, style of play, or just sheer bad luck. Let's take a look at some unlucky (bad) stats from this season for the Ducks, which could ultimately put a damper on a deep playoff run.
13 unlucky stats
1) -9
The Ducks goal differential this season, as they are the only division leader with a negative goal differential. Every other division leader has a positive goal differential and the only other Western Conference playoff team with a negative goal differential is the San Jose Sharks.
2) 14-16-2
The Ducks away record this year. Conversely, the Ducks have been more dominant at home, posting a 22-10-1 record while at Honda Center. If the Ducks retain their current standing, home ice for the first couple rounds of the playoffs would work in their favor. If the Ducks slip though, the loss of the home ice advantage could cost them, as not only are the Central Division teams more threatening, the inability for the Ducks to get the last line change would force the young skaters into unfavorable lineup matchups.
3) 17.4
The Ducks powerplay percentage, which ranks 24th in the NHL. For all the young forward talent the Ducks possess, such as Leo Carlsson, Beckett Sennecke, and Cutter Gauthier, their inability to capitalize with the man advantage has been frustrating. With a bottom tier powerplay, the Ducks have probably cost themselves a few extra wins in the standings.
4) 46
The number of games played by Troy Terry this season, which could provide one reason as to why the powerplay of the Ducks has been near the bottom of the league. Terry was on pace for a career year, prior to the injury, with 45 points. A healthy Terry would reinvigorate the Ducks offense and hopefully, get their number two center back on track.
5) 76.8
The Ducks penalty kill percentage, which is ranked 25th in the NHL. The loss against the Maple Leafs only further highlighted how porous the Ducks defense has been while on the penalty kill, as the Leafs scored three powerplay goals. Special teams are an integral part to a team's success, especially in the post season, when scoring chances diminish and the opportunities to capitalize on an opponent's mistakes become even more necessary.
6) 4.5
The cap hit of Frank Vatrano for the next two seasons. Vatrano's fall from everyday player to a regular healthy scratch has been disheartening, as he only has 8 points in 41 games. While the ascent of the young skaters for the Ducks has pushed Vatrano down the depth chart, his lack of on ice production has made him a future trade option.
7) -11
The plus/minus stat for Mason McTavish. which is second worst on the Ducks. While plus/minus is not a good analytical stat, it can be reflective of how a skater is performing on the ice, relative to his peers. McTavish has seen his production crater and as a consequence, his ice time has diminished. After signing an extension in the offseason, the Ducks number two center has yet to take off.
8) 20
The number of come from behind wins for the Ducks this season. While the end result has been fun for the fans, playing from behind has been a central theme to the team's season. However, when the playoffs begin and the Ducks face tougher competition, they cannot simply rely on late game heroics to secure a victory.
9) 74
The jersey number of recently acquired John Carlson, who has yet to suit up for the Ducks. With a playoff appearance on the horizon, struggling special teams, and probably losing a defenseman for at least a few games, the Ducks could use a boost from the veteran blue liner and help round out their defensive core.
10) 45
The number of penalty minutes for Ducks captain, Radko Gudas, which is the second most on the team. This topic should be tabled for a more thorough conversation, but your captain cannot be taking suspensions for dirty plays.
Radko Gudas received a 5-minute major and a game misconduct for kneeing Auston Matthews.
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) March 13, 2026
Matthews has since left the game 🤕 pic.twitter.com/E8lc8MjvJh
11) 8
The number of shootout wins for the Ducks this season. While banking those extra eight standings points has certainly boosted their playoff chances, shootouts do not exist once the playoffs begin. The Ducks have to find a more efficient way to compete in close games and not rely on their skill guys to bail them out with a skills competition.
12) 3.51
The goals against per game for the Ducks, which is second worst in the NHL. Even though he had a rough patch prior to the Olympic break, goaltender Lukas Dostal cannot be blamed entirely for that horrible number. Even though the Ducks thrive at creating rush chances against, the defense has been unable to cover up for broken plays or odd man rushes. A healthy Carlson will eventually help, but defensive breakdowns will cost the Ducks, come playoff time.
13) 7
The number of standings points separating the Ducks and the Sharks, who are in the second wild card position. That second wild card position would be the worst-case scenario for the Western Conference playoffs, as that unlucky team would probably face off against the Colorado Avalanche, this season's Jason Voorhees. The most favorable outcome for the Ducks, would be to finish in the top three in the Pacific and avoid that nightmare entirely.