The Anaheim Ducks are bringing a new kind of energy to the NHL playoffs, and their speed might just be the wild card the Golden Knights didn't expect. When the puck drops on their best-of-seven series in Las Vegas, it's a clash of styles—experience versus raw acceleration.
The Golden Knights, fresh off a six-game series win over Utah, look familiar to anyone who watched them last year. They're battle-tested, calm under pressure, and have the kind of playoff pedigree that comes from years of deep runs. Vegas trailed in the third period of each of the first five games against Utah, yet they never panicked. They found ways to survive before sealing the deal with a dominant 5-1 win in Game 6.
"I think (the experience) only helps the farther you go," said Vegas defenseman Brayden McNabb. "The pressure ramps up as you keep going. A lot of guys in here have had long playoff series and understand what it’s like. Intensity and speed kind of ramp up as the series goes on."
The Golden Knights have advanced past the first round six times in eight playoff appearances. They're the 2023 Stanley Cup champions, and they've missed the postseason just once in nine years as a franchise. Experience is their armor.
But the Ducks aren't your typical underdog. This is Anaheim's first playoff appearance since 2018, but that stat doesn't tell the whole story. Nine players on the roster have postseason experience, and eight have played in conference finals or beyond. Alex Killorn has two Stanley Cups from his time in Tampa Bay, and John Carlson was part of the Washington team that beat Vegas for the 2018 title. This isn't a team that's just happy to be here.
"You still have to be on your toes," said Vegas captain Mark Stone. "You just have to play good. You’re playing against the same opponent for seven games potentially. Experience helps, but it’s not everything."
The Ducks proved that in their own six-game series, showing they're built for a track meet. While the Golden Knights lean on poise and playoff savvy, Anaheim wants to turn this into a speed game. That's a dangerous combination against any opponent, even one as seasoned as Vegas.
As the series opens, the Golden Knights enter as heavy favorites, but the Ducks are making it clear: they're not just here to compete—they're here to challenge. And in a league where speed kills, that could make all the difference.