The Anaheim Ducks are riding high with a five-game winning streak, capped off by a 2-1 shootout victory against the Colorado Avalanche. This win is particularly impressive, considering the Avalanche are the top team in the NHL. The Ducks have improved to 28-19-5 on the season and are pushing for a playoff spot. Their next challenge is against the Seattle Kraken on Friday night, where they'll aim to extend their streak to six games.

LaCombe to the Olympics

In a significant development, Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe has been named to Team USA's roster for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina 2026. He replaces Florida Panthers defenseman Seth Jones, who is unable to participate due to injury. LaCombe, 25, is having a strong season, leading all Ducks defensemen in points with 31. He also leads all Ducks skaters in ice time per game, averaging 24:26.

LaCombe's selection has generated some discussion, with some observers noting the omission of Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson. However, Team USA management seems to value LaCombe's solid two-way game. LaCombe has previously represented the United States, helping the team win gold at the 2025 IIHF Men's World Championship. He will be the third Ducks defenseman to represent Team USA at the Winter Olympics, joining Cam Fowler (2014) and Ryan Whitney (2010). Other Ducks players to represent Team USA at the Olympics include Troy Terry (2018), Bobby Ryan (2010), and Guy Hebert (1998). LaCombe joins a contingent of Ducks players heading to the Olympics, including Lukas Dostal and Radko Gudas (Czechia), Leo Carlsson (Sweden), Mikael Granlund (Finland), and Damian Clara (Italy).

Injury Updates

The Ducks have been battling a number of injuries recently. Prior to the game against the Avalanche, Mason McTavish was a late scratch due to an upper-body injury. He had participated in warmups and seemed ready to play. The team is already without key players like Leo Carlsson (thigh), Troy Terry (upper body), and Frank Vatrano (shoulder fracture). Carlsson is expected to miss 3-5 weeks after undergoing a procedure for a Morel-Lavallee lesion. Terry has been placed on injured reserve with an unspecified timeline for return. Vatrano is expected to be out until late February. Goaltender Petr Mrazek is also on injured reserve with a lower-body injury.

Despite these injuries, the Ducks have found ways to win. In their recent victory against the Avalanche, Lukas Dostal made 40 saves. Alex Killorn played his 1,000th NHL game.

Growing Win Streak

The Anaheim Ducks are currently enjoying a five-game winning streak. This is a significant turnaround after a previous nine-game winless streak. The Ducks' improved play has boosted their playoff hopes as they sit at 28-19-5. Coach Joel Quenneville praised Killorn's impact on the team. The Ducks will look to continue their success as they face the Seattle Kraken.