Andrew Knoll

The fifth-year GM is up against Minnesota's Bill Guerin and Colorado's Chris MacFarland for the award Crack open a tall can – or two – of Monster Energy drink.

The Ducks haven’t lost consecutive games this postseason, nor have they faced elimination like Thursday night against Vegas at Honda Center.

These playoffs have been full of firsts for the Ducks. Their first postseason berth in eight campaigns. Their first playoff win and first series win in nine years.

The Ducks fall behind by three goals after one period and lose, 5-1, as Vegas advances to a Western Conference finals matchup with Colorado. Mikael Granlund scores the only goal for the Ducks, who were in the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

The Ducks’ Beckett Sennecke (45) tries to get by the Vegas Golden Knights’ Brett Howden (21) during the third period of Game 6 of their second-round playoff series on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Honda Center. The lost, 5-1, ending their season. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Ducks had an encouraging first season under Coach Joel Quenneville, and their postseason run was invaluable for the 14 players who made their playoff debuts

The Ducks had an encouraging first season under Coach Joel Quenneville, and their postseason run was invaluable for the 14 players who made their playoff debuts.

The Ducks made strides, and can see what kind of work remains to be done IRVINE –– For the Ducks, 2025-26 was a season that simultaneously exceeded expectations and fell short of its potential.

IRVINE –– For the Ducks, 2025-26 was a season that simultaneously exceeded expectations and fell short of its potential.

An updated look at the possibilities as the Kings face offseason questions