After a tough injury and another close loss, here's how the Ducks can fight back against the Golden Knights

The Anaheim Ducks lost to the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 of their second round series, by a final score of 3-2 in overtime and as a consequence, the Ducks are now on the precipice of seeing their surprising and encouraging postseason run end. Even though a key depth player was lost due to an injury and a tough bounce did not break in their favor, the Ducks can push back against the Golden Knights with a few tweaks to the lineup and keep their 2026 playoff hopes alive.

Poehling's injury challenges depth

Poehling was hit by Brayden McNabb in the first period of Game 5, was unable to skate off the ice under his own power and did not return.

And before the Vegas fans get defensive, that was a blatant interference that led directly to an injury; it does not matter that the hit was clean or that McNabb did not leave his feet. Even though McNabb will now serve a one game suspension for the hit, the loss of Poehling and his offensive production (4 goals, 1 assist) not only hurt the Ducks in Game 5 but will cause reverberating effects throughout the Ducks lineup as the series shifts to Game 6.

McTavish has to step up

If there was ever a time for McTavish to put a stamp on the series and wash away his poor regular season, returning as the third line center in Poehling's place, would be an optimal time to ingratiate himself with the fans, the coaching staff, and perhaps GM Pat Verbeek. In 14:31 of ice time in Game 5, McTavish registered two assists and accounted for 25.8 percent of the Ducks expected goals in all situations, which led the team. While McTavish has not centered a line for a while, the Ducks are not bereft of more favorable options for Poehling's vacant spot in the lineup.

Get Krieder off the top line

While the dynamic duo of Leo Carlsson and Troy Terry have been stifled by the defensive tactics of the Golden Knights, Chris Kreider has been an anchor on the top line. The first goal from Vegas in Game 5, only helped to illustrate the problem.

Kreider was in full possession of the puck and the strip immediately led to a goal. Kreider has looked slow and his reputation for tipping pucks at the goal crease, has yet to pay off. The Ducks would be better suited to have someone with more foot speed and offensive production, like Cutter Gauthier, on the top line to alleviate some of the pressure from Carlsson and Terry, which could free them up against the Vegas defense.

Will the captain make an appearence?

Radko Gudas has not appeared in playoff game, since Game 1 against the Edmonton Oilers in opening round. While Olen Zellweger has provided the Ducks with an extra burst of offense against Vegas and Ian Moore more has been a suitable replacement, not having the captain of the Ducks on the ice for the majority of the playoffs, has seemed awkward. No doubt Gudas wants to play but not only is the decision a matter of health, but also one of fit. While Ducks head coach Joel Queeneville has not been keen on shaking up the lineup, it is difficult to imagine Gudas not being on the ice to either go down with the ship or keeping the playoff run alive.

What's next?

Game 6. Thursday night. Honda Center. The season will be in the balance. The Ducks have proven that they are more than capable of playing against the Golden Knights and with a few tweaks, the Ducks can keep their postseason hopes alive.

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