Hobbling Ducks seek to break out of 5-game slide

Ducks face a Nashville team that has been playing well as they try to solidify their playoff position.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:59pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Anaheim Ducks and Nashville Predators, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, conveying the chaotic and high-stakes nature of the teams' fight for playoff positioning.As the Ducks struggle to regain their footing, a cubist-inspired illustration captures the fractured nature of their recent slide and the high-stakes battle for playoff positioning.San Jose Today

The Anaheim Ducks are in the midst of a five-game losing streak, putting their playoff positioning in jeopardy. They'll host the Nashville Predators, who have been playing well recently and are also fighting for a playoff spot. The Ducks are dealing with several key injuries, including to their leading scorer Cutter Gauthier and captain Radko Gudas.

Why it matters

The Ducks' recent skid has seen them drop in the standings, putting their once-comfortable playoff position in danger. They now face a battle for seeding, rather than just securing a postseason berth. With the Predators also fighting for a playoff spot, this game carries significant implications for both teams' postseason aspirations.

The details

The Ducks have lost five straight games, dropping them into a points tie with the Edmonton Oilers for the division lead. They're also just a point ahead of the Vegas Golden Knights. The Ducks will be without several key players, including Gauthier, Gudas, Pavel Mintyukov, Jansen Harkins, and Ross Johnston. This has opened the door for 23-year-old Tyson Hinds to make his NHL debut on the Ducks' blue line.

  • The Ducks' five-game losing streak began recently.
  • The Predators are in the midst of a California swing, having already played the Sharks and Kings.
  • The Ducks and Predators will face off on Tuesday, April 6, 2026.

The players

Cutter Gauthier

The Ducks' leading scorer, who is doubtful to play on Tuesday.

Radko Gudas

The Ducks' rugged captain, who is also doubtful to play on Tuesday.

Tyson Hinds

A 23-year-old defenseman who will make his NHL debut for the Ducks due to the team's injuries.

Joel Quenneville

The Ducks' head coach, who is tasked with guiding the team through their recent struggles.

Leo Carlsson

The Ducks' center, who has scored three goals during the team's five-game skid.

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What they’re saying

“We're missing a lot of different guys, that not necessarily are the scorers, but they were guys that were playing a real solid team game. That's one thing we've got to tighten up, no matter who's in the lineup, that we're positionally aware and we don't want to get scored on.”

— Joel Quenneville, Head Coach

“He had a heck of a game. He did everything you'd want him to do in his first start. (He played) big minutes, and he was very effective in a lot of ways.”

— Joel Quenneville, Head Coach

“We've gotta figure it out, like, now.”

— Leo Carlsson, Center

What’s next

The Ducks will look to end their five-game losing streak when they host the Nashville Predators on Tuesday, April 6, 2026.

The takeaway

The Ducks' recent struggles have put their once-comfortable playoff position in jeopardy, as they now face a battle for seeding rather than just securing a postseason berth. With key injuries hampering the team, they'll need to find a way to tighten up their play and get back on track if they want to avoid falling out of the playoff picture entirely.