How Ducks Aim to Extend Winning Streak Against Sabres at Honda Center

The Anaheim Ducks are gearing up to defend their season-high three-game winning streak as they host the Buffalo Sabres at the Honda Center tonight. After struggling to establish a clear identity or consistent offense during the season’s opening month, the Ducks appear to have turned a corner. Recent wins against the Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars, and Chicago Blackhawks have injected new energy into the team, with the Ducks showcasing an offensive surge that accounts for nearly 30% of their scoring output across the first 18 games of the 2024-25 season. As they enter a pivotal stretch to close out November, Anaheim will aim to keep their momentum alive.

Key Players Fueling the Ducks’ Resurgence

Several standout performances have driven Anaheim’s recent success. Trevor Zegras, who had a sluggish start to the season, has rediscovered his form. Once criticized for his lack of engagement, the 23-year-old playmaker has stepped up in recent games. Zegras’ improved performances include a three-shot effort against the Stars and a two-assist game against the Blackhawks. His resurgence is a promising sign for the Ducks, as his creativity and skill are crucial to their offensive game plan. Similarly, Alex Killorn, after a quiet opening month, has found consistency with a four-game point streak, tallying one goal and five assists. His chemistry with Zegras has been instrumental in the Ducks’ ability to finish games strong, particularly during their comeback victory over the Blackhawks.

Rookie Cutter Gauthier has also made a significant impact, scoring his first two NHL goals in wins against Detroit and Dallas. Describing the milestone as “a dream come true,” Gauthier has added six assists to his tally and continues to develop into a key offensive weapon. His “shoot-first” mindset and talent make him a valuable asset as the Ducks strive to maintain their winning ways.

Brett Leason Shines as an Unexpected MVP

Among the Ducks’ roster, Brett Leason has emerged as an unlikely hero during this streak. Despite limited opportunities earlier in the season, Leason has taken full advantage of his recent ice time, producing two goals and five assists over his last five games. Head coach Greg Cronin has praised Leason’s versatility and ability to adapt to different roles. His standout performance against Dallas, where he contributed to three goals, underscores his importance to the team’s recent success. With consistent play, Leason has cemented his spot in the lineup, even as injured teammates like Mason McTavish near their return.

Power Play and Momentum

The Ducks’ power play has played a decisive role in their recent victories, converting critical opportunities at pivotal moments. Against Detroit, Anaheim went 2-for-4 on the power play, enabling them to stay competitive in a back-and-forth game. Similarly, a successful power-play goal against Dallas helped pad their lead in a tight contest. While their season-long power-play conversion rate remains in the NHL’s bottom five at 15.3%, the recent improvement is a positive sign for the team moving forward.

As Anaheim prepares to face the Sabres, the question remains: can they sustain their recent success? While their offensive potential and creativity are undeniable, the Ducks have historically struggled with consistency. With Buffalo allowing an average of three goals per game, tonight’s matchup presents a golden opportunity for players like Zegras, Gauthier, and Leason to build on their recent performances. The puck drops at 7 p.m. PST at Honda Center, and fans will be eager to see if Anaheim can continue their rise.