Ducks' Playoff Hopes Dashed After OT Loss to Canucks

Late power-play goal sinks Anaheim's postseason chances in regular season finale

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:55am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, capturing the chaotic energy of a hockey game with overlapping shapes and angles, but without any recognizable players or logos.The Ducks' playoff hopes are shattered in a cubist-inspired depiction of their overtime loss to the Canucks.Anaheim Today

The Anaheim Ducks' hopes of ending their eight-year playoff drought were dashed on Sunday as they fell 4-3 in overtime to the lowly Vancouver Canucks. Cutter Gauthier scored twice for the Ducks, and Leo Carlsson tied the game late in the third period, but a late power-play goal by Marco Rossi in overtime sealed the win for the Canucks.

Why it matters

The Ducks were in position to clinch a playoff spot with a win over the struggling Canucks, but the loss leaves them tied with the Edmonton Oilers for the final wild card spot in the Pacific Division. With two games left, the Ducks now face an uphill battle to end their lengthy postseason drought.

The details

The Ducks fell behind 2-0 early but fought back to tie the game in the third period. Gauthier scored twice, including a power-play goal, and Carlsson netted the equalizer with 13 minutes left in regulation. But in overtime, a Ducks penalty led to Rossi's game-winning goal for the Canucks, who had won just 11 of 47 games this season.

  • The Ducks and Canucks faced off on Sunday, April 12, 2026 in Anaheim.
  • Gauthier scored his 40th goal of the season, the first Ducks player to reach that mark since Corey Perry in 2013-14.

The players

Cutter Gauthier

A 22-year-old forward for the Anaheim Ducks who scored two goals in the game, including his 40th of the season.

Leo Carlsson

A 21-year-old center for the Anaheim Ducks who scored the game-tying goal in the third period.

Marco Rossi

A 24-year-old center for the Vancouver Canucks who scored the game-winning goal in overtime.

Brock Boeser

A 29-year-old right wing for the Vancouver Canucks who scored a goal and added an assist.

Lukáš Dostál

The 24-year-old goaltender for the Anaheim Ducks who made 22 saves in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We had our chances, but just couldn't get that last one to fall. It's a tough way to end the season, but we'll learn from this and come back stronger next year.”

— Cutter Gauthier, Anaheim Ducks Forward

“This was a big win for us, especially against a team fighting for a playoff spot. The guys really battled hard and it paid off in the end.”

— Marco Rossi, Vancouver Canucks Center

What’s next

The Ducks will close out the regular season with a two-game road trip, facing the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday and the Nashville Predators on Thursday. Their playoff hopes now rest on getting help from other teams in the final days of the season.

The takeaway

The Ducks' loss to the struggling Canucks in the regular season finale was a devastating blow to their playoff aspirations, leaving them tied for the final wild card spot with two games left. This game highlighted the team's inconsistency and inability to capitalize on opportunities against lesser opponents, a trend that has plagued them throughout the season.