The Anaheim Ducks are set to face the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 1 of the Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with puck drop scheduled for 6:30 p.m. PT on May 4 and national coverage on ESPN.
This matchup marks Anaheim’s ninth appearance in the Second Round in franchise history. The team advanced after defeating Edmonton last Thursday. Defenseman Jackson LaCombe recorded nine points during that series, setting a team record for most points and assists by a defenseman in a single playoff round. LaCombe currently leads all defensemen in both categories this postseason. Cutter Gauthier leads Anaheim with four goals so far, while Troy Terry, Leo Carlsson, and Alex Killorn have each scored three.
Vegas reached this stage by overcoming Utah in six games, making consecutive Second Round appearances for the club. Jack Eichel has contributed eight assists—tied for most league-wide—while Brett Howden leads his team with four goals this postseason.
This is the first time these teams will meet in the playoffs; however, Anaheim swept Vegas during the regular season by winning all three games by one goal (each ending 4-3), including two overtime victories. Despite their success earlier this year, Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville said his team must remain focused: “Not a lot of holes,” Quenneville said of his team’s next opponent. “I think that we’ve gotta be at our best. We have to make sure we start the series (fast). Every game’s going to be important that we play consistently. We can’t give up leads. When I say leads, we can’t give up chasing a game like we saw most of the year and in that last round, as well. Let’s make sure our starts are going to be better. We’re going to need everyone.”
LaCombe emphasized preparation at puck drop: “It’s important that we’ve gotta be ready from the start,” LaCombe added. “Last round, our start to Game 1 wasn’t great. I know we bounced back in Game 2 after that, but I think just being ready to go right away.” He also addressed outside perceptions about their underdog status: “We’re going to play as underdogs through the whole playoff series,” LaCombe reflected. “We’re going to just keep playing our game, doing our thing, and keep rolling.”
Golden Knights head coach John Tortorella confirmed William Karlsson will return from injury for tonight’s game—the center had been out since November due to a lower-body issue sustained against Anaheim earlier this season.
Quenneville noted Radko Gudas is available if needed following his own lower-body injury and confirmed Terry will suit up tonight as well.
The outcome of this opening contest could set an early tone for what both clubs expect will be a tightly contested series.
