The Anaheim Ducks remain at the top of the Pacific Division, but recent games have shown how small mistakes can change outcomes late. Four of their last seven games have gone beyond 60 minutes, and of those, they have lost two. Their 5-4 overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs is the latest example of a game they could not finish.
Anaheim had built a two-goal lead and entered the third period strong, yet Toronto slowly pulled back into the game.
Joel Quenneville Reacts to Ducks’ 5-4 Overtime Loss to Maple Leafs
The Ducks fell 5-4 to the Maple Leafs on Monday after losing a 3-1 lead in the third period and allowing the game to end in overtime. Anaheim started well with a 2-0 lead and kept control in the first 46 minutes, but Toronto’s pressure in the final period changed the flow of the game.
The Ducks now sit at 41-28-5 with 87 points and still hold first place in the Pacific Division, although the gap at the top has started to tighten.
Head coach Joel Quenneville addressed the result and did not hide his reaction to how the game slipped away. He said, “I would not be happy at all.” The comment came due to frustration as Anaheim could not protect a multi-goal lead, despite strong early play and chances to extend it.
Anaheim still produced offense in the game with Leo Carlsson scoring twice, while John Carlson added a short-handed goal. Cutter Gauthier also scored but left the game after a cross-check from Jake McCabe, which affected Anaheim’s forward group as the game went on.
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Even with strong moments in puck movement and zone time, the Ducks struggled to manage Toronto’s push through the neutral zone in the third period.
Leo Carlsson also spoke after the game and pointed to missed chances in a matchup where Anaheim had control for long stretches. He said, “One point’s not enough in this game. We should’ve beat this team by three at least tonight.”
The result also matters in the wider standings race. Edmonton now sits just 4 points behind Anaheim at 83 points, with both teams having played the same number of games. That gap puts added pressure on Anaheim as the Oilers continue to push from second place in the Pacific Division.
Anaheim has shown strong offense this year, but defensive issues have kept many games close. They allow 3.46 goals per game, making it harder to protect leads in tight situations. That trend showed again against Toronto, where late breakdowns decided the outcome.
The Ducks will try to respond in their next game against the San Jose Sharks on April 1, as they look to hold onto their division lead.
