Ducks Lose in Overtime, Playoff Clinch Delayed

Anaheim's comeback effort falls short against lowly Canucks

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:56am

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of teal, orange, and navy blue, capturing the dynamic action and energy of a hockey game.The Ducks' missed opportunity to clinch a playoff spot is reflected in a cubist deconstruction of the game's key moments.Anaheim Today

The Anaheim Ducks lost 4-3 in overtime against the Vancouver Canucks, missing an opportunity to clinch their first playoff berth in eight years. Despite a third-period rally that saw the Ducks tie the game late, they ultimately fell short in the extra period.

Why it matters

The Ducks were on the verge of ending their eight-year playoff drought, but this loss means they will have to wait at least a few more days to secure their postseason spot. With two games remaining, the Ducks still control their own destiny but will need to regroup quickly to avoid any last-minute drama.

The details

The Ducks fell behind 2-1 after the first period, with the Canucks scoring a pair of goals late in the opening frame. Cutter Gauthier scored twice for Anaheim, including his 40th goal of the season, but the Ducks couldn't complete the comeback despite tying the game in the third period. In overtime, a late Canucks goal dashed the Ducks' hopes of clinching a playoff spot on this night.

  • The Ducks needed two points to clinch a playoff berth on Sunday night.
  • Cutter Gauthier scored his 40th goal of the season in the third period.
  • The Ducks have two games remaining, against the Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators.

The players

Cutter Gauthier

The leading goal scorer for the Ducks, who returned from injury and scored twice, including his 40th goal of the season, becoming the fourth player in franchise history to reach that milestone.

Joel Quenneville

The Ducks' head coach, who expressed disappointment that the team couldn't complete the playoff clinch on this night.

Radko Gudas

The Ducks defenseman, who discussed the team's effort and the Canucks' strong play.

Chris Kreider

The Ducks forward, who assisted on Gauthier's first goal and scored the game-tying goal in the third period.

Leo Carlsson

The Ducks forward, who scored the game-tying goal in the third period to force overtime.

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What they’re saying

“We wanted to complete that wish tonight. We still got some work to do.”

— Joel Quenneville, Head Coach

“It's a huge milestone and something I'm very proud of. I couldn't have done it without all my linemates and teammates. It was fun to get that, but that's not why I'm playing hockey. I'm playing hockey to win games and eventually win a Stanley Cup.”

— Cutter Gauthier, Forward

“They kept the tempo. They put it deep, and they had a good forecheck. All five guys, they didn't give us many odd-man rushes. We had to go through all the layers every time we came into the zone.”

— Radko Gudas, Defenseman

“I think a little bit about our urgency. I thought we had a great effort in the third period. Hemming them in the O-Zone and getting great opportunities and great looks. I think we waited a little bit too long at times to have that urgency to really close out a game. I thought tonight was a great opportunity to clinch a playoff spot, but we fell a little short.”

— Cutter Gauthier, Forward

What’s next

The Ducks will have two more chances to clinch a playoff spot, facing the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday and the Nashville Predators on Thursday.

The takeaway

Despite a valiant third-period comeback effort, the Ducks were unable to clinch their first playoff berth in eight years on this night. The loss means they will have to wait at least a few more days to secure their postseason spot, but they still control their own destiny with two games remaining.