{"id":465904,"date":"2025-04-06T12:15:58","date_gmt":"2025-04-06T16:15:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=465904"},"modified":"2025-04-06T12:15:58","modified_gmt":"2025-04-06T16:15:58","slug":"anaheim-ducks-2024-25-season-finish-strong","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/04\/06\/anaheim-ducks-2024-25-season-finish-strong\/","title":{"rendered":"The Anaheim Ducks Look to Close the 2024\u201325 Season Strong"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Anaheim Ducks finish to the 2024\u201325 season has just six games remaining. Furthermore, they find themselves in familiar territory, on the outside of the playoff picture, looking in. A record hovering around .500 (33-35-8) has left the team officially eliminated from playoff contention. For many organizations, that might signal a time to coast into the offseason. For the Anaheim Ducks, however, it must represent something different, an opportunity.<\/span><\/p>\n

The 2024-25 Anaheim Ducks Season is a Strong Finish<\/h3>\n

This is a pivotal moment in the rebuild. General manager Pat Verbeek<\/a> and head coach Greg Cronin<\/a> have worked to lay the groundwork for a new identity in Anaheim. That is, a team that is built around youth, grit, and modern structure. The final eight games offer the team a chance to solidify that identity, evaluate their progress, and give both players and fans a reason to believe that better days are ahead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prioritizing Player Development<\/b><\/h3>\n

If the Ducks want to call this season a step forward, it has to be rooted in the development of their young core. What that<\/em> means is ice time, responsibility, and trust. <\/span>Leo Carlsson<\/a>, the 2023 second-overall draft pick, has shown flashes of brilliance in his first full NHL season. The Swedish centre has not only handled top-six minutes, but is part of a four-way tie for the team lead in goals with 20. He’s tied with Troy Terry, Mason McTavish, and Frank Vatrano. For the young Carlsson, he’s been responsible at both ends of the ice and is already earning matchups against other teams\u2019 top lines. The final games should see Carlsson continue to centre the first line and quarterback the top power play unit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alongside him, Mason McTavish<\/a> has made strides as a two-way forward. His recent three-assist night and shootout winner against San Jose are just the latest evidence of his offensive upside. More importantly, his faceoff ability, net-front presence, and improved decision-making make him a foundational piece for Anaheim moving forward. Expect Cronin to lean on McTavish in all situations down the stretch.<\/span><\/p>\n

Defensively, the Ducks have invested in the futures of Olen Zellweger<\/a> and Pavel Mintyukov<\/a>. Zellweger\u2019s mobility and offensive instincts are already NHL calibre, while Mintyukov is proving to be an excellent puck mover who\u2019s increasingly reliable in his own zone. Letting these defencemen log 20+ minutes a night, including time on special teams, is vital not only for their growth but for understanding where they slot in long-term.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sorting Out the Goaltending Tandem<\/b><\/h3>\n

Goaltending has been a bright spot this season, but also a looming question mark. <\/span>Veteran John Gibson<\/a> has returned from injury with some strong performances, including a 33-save effort in a win over Nashville. He remains under contract through 2026\u201327, but trade rumours persist<\/a>. If Gibson is part of the future, the Ducks need him to show consistency and stay healthy. If not, they may be auditioning him for a summer deal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Lukas Dostal<\/a> has proven himself more than just a backup. With over 50 appearances this season, Dostal has grown into the role and shown resilience under pressure. The 23-year-old Czechia netminder should get a fair share of the remaining starts. Perhaps this means even a 50\/50 split with Gibson. It\u2019s a chance to see if Dostal is ready to be a true No. 1 NHL backstop.<\/span><\/p>\n

Integrating Veterans and Establishing Leadership<\/b><\/h3>\n

One major takeaway from this season is that Anaheim\u2019s young talent still needs veteran structure and guidance. That\u2019s where players like Alex Killorn<\/a>, Ryan Strome<\/a>, and Radko Gudas<\/a> come in. <\/span>Killorn, despite injuries early in the season, has brought grit and composure. His two-point night against Boston recently is a reminder of the steady play he can bring. Strome has been versatile, playing up and down the lineup while producing at a reasonable clip. Fowler remains the calming presence on the backend, though questions about how long he\u2019ll remain part of the rebuild linger.<\/span><\/p>\n

Radko Gudas has also made his presence known as the club\u2019s physical leader. He sets the tone in scrums and blocks shots with abandon, a quality that\u2019s become increasingly rare on a young team. These veterans need to show that they\u2019re not just here to mentor, they\u2019re here to help win. A strong showing from the leadership group in these final games can help set expectations in the locker room heading into training camp next fall.<\/span><\/p>\n

Evaluating the Power Play and Penalty Kill<\/b><\/h3>\n

Anaheim\u2019s special teams have been inconsistent all year. The power play, in particular, has failed to take advantage of extended zone time. That has to change, not just this offseason, but in these final games.<\/span><\/p>\n

Carlsson and McTavish should anchor the top unit, with Troy Terry<\/a> and Frank Vatrano<\/a> rounding out the wings. Vatrano, the team\u2019s All-Star representative and fourth-leading scorer, has been dangerous with the one-timer but needs better puck support around the perimeter. Introducing Zellweger or Mintyukov at the point could inject the movement needed to unlock opponents\u2019 penalty kills.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the PK, Anaheim has improved thanks in part to strong work from Gudas, Jackson LaCombe<\/a>, and Isac Lundestrom<\/a>. Continuing to build structure and reducing careless penalties, especially late in games, will be crucial to staying competitive and showing maturity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Building a Winning Culture<\/b><\/h3>\n

Culture isn\u2019t built by winning games in October. Culture is forged in April, when there\u2019s little left to play for but pride. That\u2019s exactly where the Ducks are now.<\/span><\/p>\n

In recent weeks, Anaheim has shown fight in comeback wins over the Rangers and Predators. The energy, forechecking, and quick transitions in those games must become the new standard. It\u2019s easy to coast when you\u2019re out of the playoffs; it\u2019s harder, but far more meaningful, to grind out results and compete as if the stakes are high.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cronin and his staff need to treat these last eight games like a mini-playoff series. They need to give players clear assignments, hold them accountable, and raise the right habits. These moments will define whether the Ducks enter 2025\u201326 with momentum or with more question marks.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Would Success Look Like?<\/b><\/h3>\n

So, what defines a successful finish for the 2024\u201325 Ducks? It’s not just about wins and losses, though winning 5 of 8 to end above .500 would be symbolic progress. It\u2019s about signs of growth. Check out the following boxes they have filled.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n