Anaheim Ducks: Counting Down the 30 Most Memorable Moments
The Anaheim Ducks have been one of the most successful teams in the NHL over the past two decades. They have won one Stanley Cup, made seven appearances in the Stanley Cup Final, and won six division titles.
In honor of the Ducks’ 30th anniversary season, we are counting down the 30 greatest moments in franchise history. Here are moments Nos. 10-6:
No. 10: Anaheim Ducks make their NHL debut
The Anaheim Ducks made their NHL debut on October 8, 1993, against the Detroit Red Wings. The Ducks lost the game 7-2, but it was a memorable night for the franchise and its fans.
The Ducks were an expansion team, and they were not expected to be very competitive in their early years. But they surprised everyone by finishing the season with a record of 33-45-14.
The Ducks’ inaugural season was a success, even though they missed the playoffs. They had a number of talented players on their roster, including Guy Hebert, Paul Kariya, and Teemu Selanne.
No. 9: Anaheim Ducks make their first playoff appearance
The Anaheim Ducks made their first playoff appearance in 1997. They faced the Dallas Stars in the first round, and they lost the series in six games.
But the Ducks showed that they were a team on the rise. They had a young and talented roster, and they were led by Kariya and Selanne.
The Ducks made the playoffs again in 1998, and they reached the second round for the first time in franchise history. They lost the series to the Detroit Red Wings in six games, but they continued to improve.
No. 8: Anaheim Ducks acquire Chris Pronger
The Anaheim Ducks acquired Chris Pronger from the Edmonton Oilers in 2003. Pronger was one of the best defensemen in the NHL, and he helped the Ducks become a Stanley Cup contender.
Pronger was a physical and skilled defenseman. He was also a leader, and he helped the Ducks develop a winning culture.
The Ducks made the playoffs in each of Pronger’s first four seasons with the team. They reached the Stanley Cup Final in 2003 and 2007, and they won the Stanley Cup in 2007.
No. 7: Anaheim Ducks win their first Stanley Cup
The Anaheim Ducks won their first Stanley Cup in 2007. They defeated the Ottawa Senators in six games in the Stanley Cup Final.
The Ducks were led by Pronger, Kariya, and Selanne. Pronger was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the MVP of the playoffs.
The Ducks’ Stanley Cup victory was a special moment for the franchise and its fans. It was the culmination of many years of hard work and dedication.
No. 6: Anaheim Ducks make their seventh appearance in the Stanley Cup Final
The Anaheim Ducks made their seventh appearance in the Stanley Cup Final in 2017. They faced the Pittsburgh Penguins, and they lost the series in seven games.
The Ducks were led by Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, and Rickard Rakell. Perry was named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as the MVP of the playoffs.
The Ducks’ seventh appearance in the Stanley Cup Final was a testament to their success over the past two decades. They have been one of the most consistent teams in the NHL, and they have always been a contender for the Stanley Cup.
These are just a few of the many great moments in Anaheim Ducks history. The team has had a lot of success over the past 30 years, and they have a bright future ahead of them.