The Anaheim Ducks travel to T-Mobile Arena to face the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 1 of the Western Conference Second Round on Monday, May 4, 2026. Anaheim advanced to the second round for the first time since 2017 after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in a six-game series.
Anaheim enters the matchup as an underdog despite finishing only three points behind the Pacific Division champion Golden Knights in the regular season. The Ducks recorded 26 comeback wins this year, tying for the league lead, while Vegas brings the experience of 13 series wins since their 2017 inception.
“(There’s) not a ton of people probably picking us to win the series,” said Alex Killorn, Anaheim forward.
The veteran winger noted that the team embraces their current status in the postseason landscape.
“but we like to be in that position.” said Killorn.
He later emphasized that the team’s lack of experience is balanced by their physical style of play.
“We feel like we’re a fast team,” said Killorn.
Killorn added that the roster contains explosive elements despite the external narrative.
“We’re a physical team, maybe not as big of an underdog as people some people would expect. I know a lot of our players don’t have a ton of playoff experience, but in the short amount of time that we’ve played, they’ve done really well with it.” said Killorn.
Regarding the technical challenge of facing Vegas, Killorn highlighted the importance of staying out of the penalty box.
“They have some really high-end skill players that make great plays, especially in big moments,” said Killorn.
The Ducks currently lead the playoffs in fewest average penalty minutes at 6:30 per game.
“We don’t want to get into a PK/power-play battle with any team, and especially not Vegas.” said Killorn.
Anaheim coach Joel Quenneville noted that the Golden Knights have gained significant momentum following a strong finish to the regular season.
“It looks like they’ve got a little more pace,” said Joel Quenneville, Anaheim coach.
Quenneville acknowledged the championship pedigree of his upcoming opponent.
“They look like they’re playing well. They had a good series. They had a good run at the end of the year as well, so they’ve got the momentum going right now. We’ve seen these guys play a lot of hockey — when I say that, winning hockey in the playoffs. They know the recipe, and so that’s going to be the challenge.” said Quenneville.
The coach also reflected on the growth of the younger players during the first round of the tournament.
“I think that we can learn. We learned a little bit in our last series. Some of our younger guys got some exposure that we’re happy to see, and I thought they played well, and I think the momentum and enthusiasm from winning that series helped us in the last couple days, just being around it. We’re excited about looking forward to this challenge.” said Quenneville.
Quenneville further explained that defensive play remains the primary focus for the Ducks moving forward.
“Checking was the challenge. Checking is our challenge,” said Quenneville.
He cited the fifth and sixth games against Edmonton as critical learning moments for the squad.
“We certainly got tested (against Edmonton). Having a chance to win Game 5 and that helped us going into (Game 6) with the lesson of being ready and playing big games, big moments and getting our exposure that it can go either way.” said Quenneville.
Forward Leo Carlsson expressed high expectations for the franchise’s trajectory following their recent series clincher.
“I think we think we are (a team of the future) Win a lot of championships in the future, I think,” said Leo Carlsson, Ducks center.
The young center suggested that the team’s aspirations include immediate success in the 2026 playoffs.
“And this year too. Why not?” said Carlsson.
He also noted that the lack of external expectations provides a psychological advantage for the roster.
“I don’t think a lot of people believed in us, and that helps a lot,” said Carlsson.
Carlsson mentioned that the team feels loose heading into the next phase of the tournament.
“It’s easier being the underdogs. Coming in, we have nothing to lose.” said Carlsson.
Defenseman Jackson LaCombe, who currently has nine playoff points, shared how the team’s confidence evolved after a slow start in Game 1 against Edmonton.
“I think a ton (of growth over the series),” said Jackson LaCombe, Ducks defenseman.
LaCombe described the transition from hesitation to trust as the first-round series progressed.
“Even in the first game, we started out a little hesitant. We were just unsure, seeing what it felt like. Second period (of Game 1), we kind of came out and started playing our game. That’s when we started to gain confidence and trusted each other. I think each game, we just got better and better.” said LaCombe.
Ducks forward Troy Terry recalled his initial comments from training camp regarding the team’s potential to transition out of a rebuilding phase.
“Saying it in the past, it’s felt sort of like, ‘oh, well, you know, hopefully, myself included, like some guys can take steps.’” said Troy Terry, Ducks forward.
Terry indicated that the team has moved beyond hopeful guessing to a firm understanding of their skill set.
“It’s less guessing hopefully that it all kind of comes together. It’s a team that I think knows what it’s capable of now.” said Terry.
Looking ahead to the lessons learned, Terry emphasized that the team believes they can compete with any opponent in the league.
“I’m already excited to apply some of these lessons everyone’s picked up in their first playoff experience,” said Terry.
The forward specifically pointed to the defensive unit’s performance against elite scorers as a source of confidence.
“The little details is what we talk about with the learning experiences, but at the end of the day, I don’t want that to be taken as we don’t think we can play with anyone. I think when we’re at our best, we’re a really good hockey team. We’re explosive. We’ve got these guys on the back end that you just saw could play with two of the best players in the world. There’s a lot of belief in our room.” said Terry.
Veteran Chris Kreider urged the team to capitalize on their current momentum regardless of the roster’s average age.
“We’re going to try to win hockey games. Doesn’t matter what age,” said Chris Kreider, Ducks forward.
Kreider noted that playoff opportunities are rare and should be pursued aggressively while the window is open.
“I think this is a great opportunity. You don’t know how many of these you’re going to get, so we’re going to run as long as we can.” said Kreider.
Cutter Gauthier had previously set the tone for the season during training camp in September.
“I feel like we can say we’re out of the rebuild, and we’re here to make the playoffs,” said Cutter Gauthier, Ducks forward.
Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb commented on the volatility of the playoffs, noting the high frequency of comeback victories.
“Anything can happen,” said Brayden McNabb, Golden Knights defenseman.
The veteran blueliner suggested that deficits are rarely insurmountable in the current postseason environment.
“You’re never really out of it, right?” said McNabb.
Game 1 in Las Vegas marks the first time these teams have met since John Tortorella assumed coaching duties for the Golden Knights on March 29.