Anaheim Ducks

The Anaheim Ducks are an NHL franchise in the Pacific Division of the Western Conference.

Anaheim joined the NHL as the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in 1993. Anaheim built their original franchise around Paul Kariya, Teemu Selanne and veteran center Steve Rucchin as their first line. Although the Mighty Ducks missed the playoffs for their first three seasons, they were able to earn home ice advantage in the ’96-97 season. They beat the Coyotes in their first round matchup, but were swept by the Red Wings in the next round. The Ducks made the playoffs again in 1999, but were swept by Detroit again. In 2003, the Ducks again made the playoffs, facing Detroit in the first round. This time the tables were turned, as Anaheim swept the Wings. The Ducks battled through Minnesota and Dallas on the way to their first Conference title and their first chance at a Stanley Cup. In Game 6, Paul Kariya scored one of the most memorable game winning goals in overtime. Karyia had been knocked out of the game with a concussion by a heavy hit from Scott Stevens of the New Jersey Devils. Unfortunately, the Devils would win Game 7. Jean-Sebastian Giguere won the Conn Smythe as Playoff MVP, despite the fact that his team did not win the Cup.

The Ducks came back strong after the lockout, signing younger talent like Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Joffrey Lupul to build their new franchise. The Ducks made it to their second Conference Finals, but lost out to the Edmonton Oilers in five games. In 2006-07, after officially changing their name to the Anaheim Ducks, the club rode one of the best defensive lineups in the NHL to the playoffs yet again. Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer headlined a blueline corps which led the Ducks to a 24-3-6 record to start the season. The Ducks carried their success into the playoffs, beating the Wild, Canucks and Red Wings on the way to the Stanley Cup Finals matchup with the Ottawa Senators. Anaheim won the Cup for the first time in franchise history in a 6-2 victory at home. Anaheim followed their Cup victory with a solid season, making the playoffs yet again. The Ducks lost to Dallas in the first round.

Anaheim plays out of the Honda Center which holds 17,174 fans.

Stanley Cups won: 2006-07

Notable Players: Sergei Fedorov, Ryan Getzlaf, Jean-Sebastian Giguere, Guy Hebert, Paul Kariya, Rob Niedermayer, Scott Niedermayer, Corey Perry, Chris Pronger, Steve Rucchin, Teemu Selanne, Petr Sykora

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