The Anaheim Ducks knew sometime in the second period of last night's game that the St. Louis Blues had lost. All that was left to do was earn two points and they would clinch a sixth consecutive playoff appearance. That was all the motivation Anaheim needed en route to a 3-1 come-from-behind home win.
When the final horn sounded and the Ducks poured onto the ice for some hand shakes and high-fives, I couldn't help but think back to how much this team overcame throughout the season. The injuries, the losing streaks, the injuries, the rise of the Golden Knights, the injuries - did I mention the injuries?
We know Anaheim's shtick - struggle early in the regular season, kick into gear around Christmas and make a deep run. But, this season has been so much more than that.
The Ducks found ways to win with less than a full squad. They dealt away a favorite in Sami Vatanen for a season-saving new favorite in Adam Henrique. Corey Perry reinvented his game to make his team better. Ryan Getzlaf found the Fountain of Youth. Brandon Montour, Josh Manson, Ondrej Kase, Derek Grant, Ryan Miller and so on played major roles in the teams success and 180 turnaround.
And is some bizarre twist of fate the Chicago Blackhawks delivered an improbable blow to the Blues playoff chances with a miracle, regulation win.
That was Duncan Keith's second goal of the season. Wow. Incredible.
This has been a trying, albeit fun season and we know, at least for now, it's not over yet.
Some tidbits from clinch day:
- Anaheim is tied with the Wild for the second longest playoff streak in the league with six consecutive appearances. The Penguins are tops with 12.
- Anaheim is 8-1-1 in their last 10 games and still took until game 80 ti qualify for the playoffs AND they needed help along the way. Another stick tap to the Ducks for finding that extra gear when they needed it most.
- The Ducks have 70 playoff wins since 2006. Only Chicago (76) and Pittsburgh (91) have more. They can move past the Hawks win another strong run.
- Anaheim still has a chance to grab home ice in the first round. They trail the Sharks by one point for second place in the Pacific. San Jose is hosting Colorado, who are fighting for their playoff lives and they will play with some serious desperation. The Sharks have lost four in a row and their scoring has dried up. So there's a chance...
After tonight, the Sharks have one game left. If they lose, it opens the door for the Ducks who have two games left.
Anaheim has two games left - vs. Dallas on Friday, @ Arizona on Saturday.
Colorado Avalanche Blogger • 
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