Ducks Can Clinch Playoff Spot with Win Over Canucks

Anaheim looks to secure postseason berth on April 12 matchup

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:14pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of teal, orange, blue, and green, representing the action and energy of a hockey game between the Anaheim Ducks and Vancouver Canucks.The Ducks' potential playoff clinching on April 12 would be a significant moment for the franchise as they aim to return to the postseason.Anaheim Today

The Anaheim Ducks have a chance to clinch a spot in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 12 with a win over the Vancouver Canucks. The Ducks need to defeat the Canucks in any fashion during their 8 p.m. ET matchup to secure a postseason berth.

Why it matters

The Ducks have been on the playoff bubble for much of the season, so clinching a spot would be a significant milestone for the team and its fans. Making the playoffs is crucial for the Ducks to have a shot at the Stanley Cup championship.

The details

The Ducks need to simply win their game against the Canucks on April 12, regardless of whether it's in regulation, overtime, or a shootout, to clinch a playoff spot. This would be the Ducks' first postseason appearance since 2024.

  • The Ducks-Canucks game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET on April 12, 2026.

The players

Anaheim Ducks

A professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California that plays in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Vancouver Canucks

A professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, British Columbia that plays in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

If the Ducks clinch a playoff spot on April 12, their next step will be to prepare for the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, which are scheduled to begin a few days later.

The takeaway

The Ducks' potential playoff clinching on April 12 would be an important milestone for the franchise as they look to return to the postseason and make a run at the Stanley Cup championship.