Granlund Hat Trick Lifts Anaheim Ducks Past Flames in OT

Mikael Granlund's Dramatic Hat Trick Lifts Anaheim Ducks Over Calgary Flames in Overtime Thriller

With one second remaining in overtime, Mikael Granlund converted a power-play goal to complete a stunning hat trick and deliver the Anaheim Ducks a 3-2 victory over the Calgary Flames on March 26, 2026. The goal, one of the most dramatic finishes of the NHL season, capped a four-game winning streak and kept Anaheim firmly in control of the Pacific Division. If you're searching for Anaheim Ducks news today, this is the moment everyone is talking about — a franchise that has quietly become one of the NHL's most compelling stories is now making undeniable noise at the top of the standings.

How the Game Unfolded: A Back-and-Forth Battle Settled at the Buzzer

The Ducks and Flames traded punches throughout a tightly contested contest at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary's Blake Coleman struck first in the second period to give the Flames a 1-0 lead, but Granlund responded quickly with an unassisted tally to level the score at 1-1.

The drama continued into the third period when Calgary rookie Matvei Gridin nudged his team back ahead, making it 2-1 and seemingly putting the Flames in the driver's seat. Granlund had other ideas. With just 3:33 remaining in regulation, he converted a power play to tie the game at 2-2 and force overtime.

Then came the moment that will be replayed on highlight reels for years. With the clock ticking to zero in the extra frame, Granlund found the net on another power play — completing his hat trick with one second left in overtime. The goal sent Anaheim's bench into pandemonium and gave the Ducks their fourth consecutive win.

Ville Husso was solid in net for Anaheim, stopping 23 shots, while Devin Cooley made 30 saves for Calgary in a losing effort. A notable subplot: the Flames had a goal overturned via coach's challenge for offside — the fifth such reversal during their homestand, a frustrating trend for Calgary fans and coaches alike. Read the full game recap at Newsday.

Granlund's Historic Night: Seven Goals in Four Games

Mikael Granlund has been one of the hottest players in the NHL over the past week, and his performance against Calgary only reinforced that status. The veteran forward now has seven goals during a four-game goal-scoring streak and 19 goals on the season — a remarkable run of form at a critical point in the schedule.

What makes Granlund's hat trick especially memorable is the timing and manner of each goal. His unassisted second-period tally showed individual skill, his third-period power-play strike demonstrated composure under pressure, and his overtime winner — with the clock at literally one second — exemplified the kind of ice-cold nerve that separates great players from good ones.

At 33, Granlund is proving that veteran experience can be the decisive factor in a playoff race. His ability to elevate his game at the right moment gives Anaheim a clutch performer they can lean on as the postseason approaches. The NHL's official recap of the Flames' loss highlights just how pivotal Granlund's performance was to the outcome.

Pacific Division Standings: Ducks Cementing Their Lead

The win pushes the Anaheim Ducks to a record of 40-27-4, placing them atop the Pacific Division with a five-point lead over the Edmonton Oilers and a six-point cushion over the Vegas Golden Knights. With fewer than 20 games remaining in the regular season, Anaheim is in an enviable position — controlling their own destiny in the race for home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Reaching 40 wins is also a franchise milestone worth noting. This is Anaheim's first 40-win season since 2017-2018, when the Ducks posted 44 victories. For a team that spent several years in rebuild mode, cracking that threshold signals a genuine return to contender status — not just a flash in the pan.

The Ducks aren't just back — they're leading. A five-point cushion in the Pacific Division with a four-game winning streak is the kind of positioning teams spend entire seasons chasing.

Before this latest win, Anaheim had already defeated the Vancouver Canucks 5-3 on March 25 to extend their streak to three games, with Granlund scoring twice and Troy Terry continuing his strong play. The momentum is real, and the schedule ahead presents opportunities to pad the lead further. See how Anaheim approached their trip to Calgary with eyes on making it four straight.

Beckett Sennecke and the Ducks' Remarkable Youth Movement

While Granlund provided the veteran clutch play, the Anaheim Ducks' success story in 2025-26 has also been built on one of the most impressive rookie seasons in recent memory. Beckett Sennecke leads all NHL rookies with 55 points on the season — a figure that would make any franchise proud and one that has Calder Trophy conversations swirling around the young forward.

Sennecke's emergence is part of a broader wave of young talent that has transformed the Ducks from a lottery contender into a playoff frontrunner. The combination of Sennecke's offensive production, Mason McTavish's physical presence (McTavish scored his first goal in 15 games in the Vancouver win), and Granlund's veteran leadership creates a balanced lineup that opponents find difficult to solve.

This youth-and-experience blend is precisely what makes Anaheim a dangerous postseason team. Young players bring energy and fearlessness; veterans like Granlund provide the poise to close out tight games — as he demonstrated emphatically against Calgary.

Injury Concerns: Gudas and Mintyukov Exit Game

Despite the euphoria of the victory, the Ducks left Calgary with legitimate concerns on the blue line. Radko Gudas left the game with a lower-body injury, and Pavel Mintyukov exited with a chest injury — two defensive losses in a single game that will require monitoring heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

Gudas, a physical presence who brings toughness and penalty-kill expertise, and Mintyukov, a promising young defenseman, are both important components of Anaheim's defensive structure. Head coach Greg Cronin will likely provide updates on their status before the next game, and how quickly they can return could have meaningful implications for the team's playoff preparation.

Another storyline from this game: Ryan Strome, traded to Calgary at the deadline, faced his former Ducks teammates for the first time. His departure left a leadership void in Anaheim that the team has evidently filled through collective effort. Yahoo Sports examined how Strome's departure impacted the Ducks' locker room and what it means for the franchise going forward.

Playoff Picture: What's at Stake for the Ducks in 2026

With the Pacific Division lead in hand, Anaheim's focus is shifting toward playoff seeding and potential matchups. Holding the division title would guarantee home-ice advantage through at least the first round — a significant factor given how energized the Honda Center has been this season.

The five-point gap over Edmonton is comfortable but not insurmountable, especially with the Oilers featuring Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Maintaining this lead while managing injuries and resting key players will be the balancing act for Cronin's coaching staff over the final weeks.

For fans already dreaming about the postseason, ClutchPoints has broken down Anaheim's dream seeding and playoff matchup scenarios — and the possibilities are genuinely exciting for a fanbase that hasn't had much to cheer about in recent years.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Anaheim Ducks

What was Mikael Granlund's hat trick on March 26, 2026?

Mikael Granlund scored all three Anaheim Ducks goals in a 3-2 overtime victory over the Calgary Flames. His third goal — a power-play tally with one second remaining in overtime — completed the hat trick and capped one of the most dramatic performances of the 2025-26 NHL season.

Where do the Anaheim Ducks stand in the Pacific Division?

As of March 26, 2026, the Ducks (40-27-4) lead the Pacific Division by five points over the Edmonton Oilers and six points over the Vegas Golden Knights, giving them the best position in the division with the regular season winding down.

Who is Beckett Sennecke and why is he significant?

Beckett Sennecke is an Anaheim Ducks rookie who leads all NHL first-year players with 55 points in the 2025-26 season. His exceptional production has made him a Calder Trophy candidate and a cornerstone of Anaheim's resurgence as a playoff contender.

When was the last time the Ducks had a 40-win season?

The 2025-26 season marks Anaheim's first 40-win campaign since 2017-2018, when the team won 44 games. The milestone reflects the franchise's successful rebuild after several difficult seasons.

Are the Ducks dealing with any injuries heading into the playoffs?

Yes. Defensemen Radko Gudas (lower body) and Pavel Mintyukov (chest) both left the March 26 game against Calgary with injuries. Their availability for upcoming games will be closely monitored as the Ducks approach the postseason.

Conclusion: Anaheim Ducks Are the NHL's Most Compelling Story Right Now

Mikael Granlund's overtime hat trick — sealed with one second on the clock — is the kind of moment that defines seasons and careers. But it doesn't exist in isolation. It's the latest chapter in a genuinely surprising and inspiring Anaheim Ducks story: a team that has rebuilt with intelligent drafting, developed its young talent, and added the right veteran pieces to compete at the highest level.

With 40 wins, a division lead, and a roster that blends Sennecke's youthful brilliance with Granlund's veteran excellence, the Ducks are no longer a feel-good underdog story. They're a legitimate Stanley Cup contender — and nights like March 26 are exactly why the hockey world is paying attention.