Offense and Young Stars: What Makes the Ducks Must-See Hockey

The Anaheim Ducks are off to a start few expected — and even fewer are ignoring. After 13 games, the team sits at 9-3-1, riding a five-game winning streak that includes victories over Florida, Detroit, New Jersey, Florida again, and Dallas. For a franchise that has struggled to be a contender for much of the past decade, this early-season surge is turning heads. Some are wondering if the Ducks are for real, and at the very least, Anaheim has become a must-watch team.

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Jonathan Davis joined VSiN By the Books to discuss some of the exciting young teams in the NHL, and suggested the Anaheim Ducks are a team you have to stay up and watch. “They are supremely talented with young kids up front who continue to take the next stride…”

At the heart of the Ducks’ success is Leo Carlsson, who is right up near the top of the NHL standings in points with 20 (6 goals, 14 assists). His ability to control play and create scoring chances is giving Anaheim a dynamic offensive engine that few teams can match.

Cutter Gauthier has also emerged as a force, recording his first NHL hat trick as part of a league-leading 10-point performance, earning NHLPA Player of the Week honors. He is tied for the lead league in goals with 11.

Mason McTavish is for real, with 10 points in 13 games.

Meanwhile, veteran Chris Kreider is finding his stride in Anaheim, providing scoring and leadership, and giving the young core guidance on the ice.

Troy Terry is playing well, bridging the gap between the veterans and the young guys. He’s got 17 points.

Five Ducks players are averaging a point per game, and their fast, multi-layered attack has made them one of the most entertaining teams to watch. Defensively, the squad is holding steady, proving that this isn’t just a scoring streak.

Can the Ducks Keep This Going?

Whether Anaheim continues to score at this pace or drops off a bit remains to be seen. Regardless, the hot start is a great sign, especially for long-suffering Anaheim fans. Their hope is that this start is more than a hot streak.

The Ducks are tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins with 54 goals for this season. Both teams have exploded for offense and neither was expected to be this strong. However, while analysts believe the Penguins will come crashing down to earth, there’s a sense that Anaheim is different.

With a blend of talented youth, veteran presence, and exciting hockey, the Ducks are making a statement: they are fast, fun, and suddenly, very hard to ignore.

Next: Could Star Goalie Be Oilers’ Next Big Trade Target Amid Predators’ Struggles?