Ducks Look to Snap Skid Against Visiting Flames

Anaheim aims to regain top spot in Pacific Division with win over Calgary

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:40pm

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The Anaheim Ducks have lost four straight games, dropping them out of first place in the Pacific Division. They'll look to get back on track when they host the Calgary Flames on Saturday night. The Ducks have won four straight meetings with the Flames, all in overtime, but know they can't rely on past success to turn things around.

Why it matters

The Ducks are in a tight race for the Pacific Division title with the Edmonton Oilers, so snapping their current skid is crucial to regaining the top spot. Calgary, meanwhile, is all but eliminated from playoff contention and will be looking to play spoiler against their division rival.

The details

The Ducks are coming off a 6-2 home loss to the St. Louis Blues on Friday, which pushed them behind the Oilers in the division standings. Anaheim forward Ryan Poehling said the team needs to 'pull together a little bit more' to get back on track. The Flames are also looking to rebound after a pair of lopsided defeats, including a 6-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday.

  • The Ducks and Flames will face off on Saturday night in Anaheim.
  • Anaheim has won the last four meetings between the teams, all in overtime.

The players

Ryan Poehling

An Anaheim Ducks forward who scored a goal and an assist in the team's loss to the Blues.

Joel Quenneville

The head coach of the Anaheim Ducks, who criticized his team's defensive coverage in the loss to the Blues.

Blake Coleman

A veteran forward for the Calgary Flames who scored two goals in the team's 6-3 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Zach Whitecloud

A defenseman for the Calgary Flames who said the team took too many penalties in the loss to Vegas.

Aydar Suniev

A 21-year-old forward who was recently called up from the AHL's Calgary Wranglers and made his NHL debut last season.

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What they’re saying

“Everyone knows the scenario that we're in. Last two games, I thought we played good hockey. (Friday) wasn't the case.”

— Ryan Poehling, Anaheim Ducks forward

“You can just see the coverage of the first goal. It turns into a breakaway and it's uncontested. Those types of plays can't happen.”

— Joel Quenneville, Anaheim Ducks head coach

“We took too many penalties. Can't give (those to) a team with a power play like that. I don't know how many they had. It's tough to claw your way out of that. It loses momentum and creates momentum for them, whether they create chances or vice versa.”

— Zach Whitecloud, Calgary Flames defenseman

“It's always good to score and help your team get on the board. I'd like to have one of the goals they scored on us back. Ultimately, it's about how you play on both sides. Disappointed with giving up one, but nice to contribute. Just a tough loss, but we'll bounce back.”

— Blake Coleman, Calgary Flames forward

What’s next

The Ducks and Flames will face off on Saturday night in Anaheim, with the Ducks looking to regain the top spot in the Pacific Division.

The takeaway

This game is a crucial one for the Ducks as they try to snap their four-game skid and reclaim the division lead. The Flames, meanwhile, will be looking to play spoiler and pick up a rare win against their division rival.