The job isn't done, but the Ducks have already given Orange Country plenty to be excited about in these playoffs

After their first series win in nearly a decade, the vibes are high in So Cal. While there were definitely standout performances by players like Troy Terry, Leo Carlson and Jackson LaCombe, there was a slew of unsung heroes as well. Not only the players, but the coaching staff and even the fans at Honda Center.

4th line impressed

The bottom three forwards on any NHL team these days should not only provide energy and physicality, but contribute offensively and defensively with the utmost effectiveness. Tim Washe had himself an incredible series as he not only led all centermen at 61.4% from the faceoff dot. He also did a great job of helping to shut down Connor McDavid throughout the entire series, granted number 97 was playing hurt, but this is still something to praised. Jeffrey Viel, who only had 6 career goals prior to these playoffs, managed to score two massive goals in the series as well, including an electric finish that gave the Ducks an important two-goal lead in the eventual Game 3 victory on home ice. Ian Moore was pretty quiet overall, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. The rookie defender turned forward was a solid piece in the depth trio through every game, doing the right things for the most part and putting the pressure on the top line for Edmonton.

Coach Woodcroft making an impact

The Ducks do lead the league in postseason powerplay percentage at 50%, but it can't be glossed over that while the players were doing the scoring, assistant coach Jay Woodcroft has had a hand in that. Hired this past summer, Woodcroft was appointed mainly as the powerplay specialist. Clearly he has been doing something right in getting both extra-man units ready for these games and executing on those opportunities. Best part of this, Woodcroft was the head coach of these very Oilers only two and a half years ago. Certainly he knew something about their penalty kill tendencies as well, giving the boys in orange and gold the edge.

Veterans have come up big

The likes of Alex Killorn, Mikael Granlund, Chris Kreider, John Carlson and Jacob Trouba have been doing yeoman's work to say the least. These players were expected to provide valuable playoff experience before the series started and they have not disappointed. Killer, as number 17 is affectionately called, scored 3 goals and 3 assists in round one. Granlund matched Killorn's point total with 2 goals and 4 assists, each of them going point-per-game in the series. Kreider arguably had a pedestrian first five games, but exploded for his first goal of the 2026 playoffs and added 2 assists in the clinching game.

The blueline vets did their own damage as Carlson recorded 5 assists and 11 shot blocks. Trouba made 18 hits the series, averaging 3 per game, and had himself 10 shot blocks. The two d-men are respectively 2nd and 3rd on team in blocks, behind only LaCombe.

Husso did his job

While Game 5 was surely one to forget for fans and players of the team, Ville Husso should be applauded for his performance in relief of Lukas Dostal. The 31-year-old Helsinki, Finland native made a stout 10 saves on 11 shots. The only goal he did allow was on the power play, so for all intents and purposes, he gave the Ducks a chance to come back in that game. In hindsight, it doesn't matter, but it's notable that the backup could come in be effective when it was needed. Bodes well for any team looking to make a deep run.

Final thoughts

The Ducks may not have been perfect in the opening round, but they got the job done. The offense has been clicking, especially with the man advantage, Dostal had an awesome Game 6, and the stars that should be producing are doing just that. Depth scoring has been key so far. The Golden Knights will be a different challenge and the Ducks seem poised for the second round. Honda Center crowds have been absolutely electric, and I would say a significant part of Anaheim's home dominance to this point. Even watching on TV, I can feel the energy and pandemonium. Go Ducks!

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow