Ducks Heat Up Prior To Matchup Versus Flames

The underwhelming Anaheim Ducks have flipped the script on the beginning of this season with an impressive result Thursday evening versus the Edmonton Oilers. Possessing the second longest losing streak in the NHL last week, Anaheim has strung together three victories, the longest streak this season to date. After taking down the Canucks and Senators, the Ducks were tasked with suppressing the widely feared Edmonton Oilers, and they did not disappoint.

After The Horn (November 6 vs Edmonton):

The Edmonton Oilers have instilled a fear across the league with their offensive unit so far in the 2026-27 campaign. With Connor McDavid entering the game with the most points, by a large margin, and Oilers teammates possessing the second and third spots for points, goals, and assists, a struggling Anaheim offense united to hold off in a close matchup last night.

While McDavid tallied another goal and three assists, Evan Bouchard collected a goal and an assist along with Leon Draisaitl. In the majority of circumstances, performances like these should nearly guarantee a win. Unfortunately for Edmonton, the young Ducks core refuses to cool down.

Anaheim currently holds three of the top four spots for points leaders of players 23 years old or younger. Leo Carlsson leads the pack after adding two assists last night. His 24 total points has been accompanied by Beckett Sennecke‘s third-most with 19. Sennecke continued to contribute with two goals and an assist, all while Cutter Gauthier refuses to stop scoring. Gauthier is tied with Macklin Celebrini for 23U players with 17 points, largely due to his nine goals over the last four games. Following two consecutive hat-trick performances, Cutter tallied a goal and an assist against the Oilers. Judd Caulfield also contains the second most points for rookies with 9 total.

The unsuspected leaders have paved the way for a historic run for Anaheim. In their last six games, the team has collected at least five goals in each contest. The streak stands as the third-longest in NHL history with the 1988-89 Los Angeles Kings stringing together nine consecutive matchups with 5+ goals. Sitting third-worst in the league this year in terms of goals allowed per game, the offensive push has been the largest contributor to the Ducks’ success.

Edmonton remains in first place in the Pacific Division, with the Ducks holding on to their fourth place spot, just two points behind the Seattle Kraken with 19. A victory tonight against the Calgary Flames will place the Ducks in third place and begin the conversation as potential playoff candidates, although it remains too early in the season to confirm such a claim.

Before The Drop (November 6 vs Calgary)

The Calgary Flames have improved after a significant stint to start the season without a win at home. Since securing their first, they have trailed the Ducks success and sit just behind them in the Pacific standings. With just two less points than Anaheim, a victory for them tonight can see them jump the Ducks and immerse themselves into 4th place in the Pacific.

Prior to tonight’s matchup, Anaheim and Calgary have already competed twice this season. In back-to-back games, the teams split their current season series with each taking home 4-2 victories over one another. The Ducks will be tasked to take the lead in the series and hopes remain high after witnessing the team suppress an offense as strong as the Oilers’. Calgary lacks significant offense contributors and tonight’s matchup will serve as an opportunity for Anaheim to improve from a defensive perspective.

Surrendering 28 goals over their last six games, the Ducks hopes for defensive improvement is probable. Any lack of continued offensive success will likely see Anaheim enter back into an unfortunate streak of subpar performance, as a team. Laurent Brossoit has started three consecutive games for the team and taken home victories in all three appearances for the team this year. It seems highly likely the front office will continue with Brossoit’s contributions until results begin favoring their opponents.

The Ducks have held their own from a competitive standpoint. Fans witnessed five fights in a matchup against Vancouver earlier this week, and Thursday’s matchup demonstrated a refusal to not be taken seriously. The first period alone against Edmonton, the teams tallied over 40 penalty minutes combined.

Calgary is 6-3-1 over their last ten, as Anaheim has improved to a 4-5-1 record in the same time span. A victory from either side will result in a shift in standing positions. With a red-hot offense and a defense set to take on a squad who has scored a miniscule 39 goals this year, Anaheim is slightly favored to bring home their fourth-consecutive victory this evening.

Anaheim will visit Scotiabank Saddledome this evening at 5 PM PST in a critical matchup against the Calgary Flames. Visit our Game Preview for more.

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November 6th, 2026