Ducks Try to Gain on Flames in Western Wild-Card Race

The Anaheim Ducks have positioned themselves to play meaningful hockey in the second half of the season, and they can further solidify their playoff hopes with a season-high fourth straight win when they face the Calgary Flames on Thursday night.

Ducks Heating Up at the Right Time

Anaheim entered Wednesday seven points behind Calgary for the final Western Conference wild-card spot. Despite ranking last in the NHL in scoring (2.54 goals per game), the Ducks have found their offensive rhythm, tallying 16 goals over their three-game winning streak.

Head coach Greg Cronin credits the turnaround to better execution on quality chances:

“When scorers get chances and they’re snake-bitten early, eventually it’s going to turn,” Cronin said.

McTavish Leading the Charge

The Ducks’ surge has been powered by Mason McTavish, who has been on fire with six goals and an assist in his last four games.

“It’s just kind of been going in for me recently,” said McTavish, who turns 22 years old on Thursday. “Hopefully I can keep it up.”

Cronin praised McTavish’s improved skating and ability to win loose-puck battles, which have helped him find prime scoring opportunities.

McTavish isn’t alone in fueling Anaheim’s offensive explosion:

• Troy Terry has a four-game point streak (1G, 4A).
• Ryan Strome & Frank Vatrano each have four points in the last four games.

“Right now, you’re seeing 10 to 12 guys every night with the forward group feeling really confident,” Strome said.

Flames Need a Response After Two Straight Losses

Calgary has allowed Anaheim to creep closer in the standings by dropping two straight games, including a 3-1 loss to Washington on Tuesday.

The Flames have scored just three total goals in their last two losses, a stark contrast to their prior three-game winning streak, where they netted 13 goals.

“We just have to find a way to put some in the back of the net,” head coach Ryan Huska said. “That’s been a bit of a challenge for us, for sure.”

Despite their scoring struggles, Huska insists the Flames are comfortable playing in tight, low-scoring games:

“We’re not going to score a ton of goals, that’s the way we are. But when you get chances, you have to bury them.”

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Playoff Implications Loom Large

With Anaheim surging and Calgary looking to snap its skid, Thursday’s matchup could be a pivotal moment in the Western Conference playoff race. Can the Ducks continue their rise, or will the Flames hold their ground?

Puck drop in Calgary is set for 9:00 PM ET.