Mikael Granlund Hat Trick: OT Winner Lifts Ducks

Mikael Granlund's Stunning Hat Trick: The Last-Second OT Winner That Has the NHL World Buzzing

With one second left on the clock in overtime, Mikael Granlund did something that even the most seasoned hockey fans rarely witness. On March 26, 2026, the Finnish forward for the Anaheim Ducks converted a power-play goal in the dying breath of overtime to complete a hat trick and deliver a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Calgary Flames. The moment instantly went viral, and for good reason — it was the kind of jaw-dropping finish that defines a season. Now, Granlund's name is everywhere: trending on social media, dominating fantasy hockey waiver wire conversations, and cementing himself as one of the most important players on a Ducks team surging toward its first Stanley Cup playoff berth since 2018.

Here's everything you need to know about Granlund's historic night and what it means for Anaheim's playoff push.

The Hat Trick Heard Around the Hockey World

Mikael Granlund's performance against Calgary was the stuff of highlight reels. He opened his scoring with an unassisted goal in the second period, picking up a loose puck in the neutral zone and converting to tie the game. But it was his third goal — assisted by defenseman John Carlson — that made history. With just one second remaining in overtime and the Ducks on the power play, Granlund buried the puck to complete his fourth career hat trick in one of the most dramatic fashions imaginable.

According to CBS News Los Angeles, the goal capped an extraordinary individual performance that lifted Anaheim to its fourth consecutive win. It was also a reminder of why veteran players like Granlund can be so dangerous when they get hot at the right time of year.

Calgary wasn't without controversy either. The Flames had a goal overturned via offside challenge — the fifth Flames goal waved off by video review during their current homestand — adding to the drama of the evening. Ville Husso made 23 saves in goal for Anaheim, while Calgary's Devin Cooley stopped 30 shots in a losing effort.

Granlund's Incredible Four-Game Streak

The hat trick against Calgary didn't come out of nowhere. Granlund has been on an absolute tear, scoring seven goals over a four-game goal streak heading into the final weeks of the NHL regular season. That brings his total to 19 goals on the year — a significant output for a player who many fantasy managers overlooked for much of the season.

As the Pasadena Star-News reported, Granlund's consistency during this hot stretch has been remarkable, and the timing couldn't be better for a Ducks team chasing division glory. His ability to contribute in both even-strength and power-play situations makes him a multi-dimensional threat that opposing teams are increasingly struggling to contain.

Seven goals in four games is a pace that very few NHL forwards can sustain — but while it lasts, Granlund is one of the most dangerous players in the league.

Ducks Surge Toward Their First Playoffs Since 2018

Granlund's heroics are unfolding against the backdrop of one of the most exciting stories in hockey this season: the Anaheim Ducks' unexpected rise to the top of the Pacific Division. With a record of 41-27-4 (86 points), the Ducks have won four straight and gone 5-0-1 in their past six games. More impressively, they now lead the Pacific Division by five points over the Edmonton Oilers and seven points over the Vegas Golden Knights.

As noted by North Shore News, the Ducks are riding a wave of momentum that has transformed them from a hopeful postseason contender into legitimate division leaders. This would be Anaheim's first Stanley Cup playoff appearance since the 2017-18 season — a long-awaited return to the postseason for a franchise with a devoted fanbase.

One statistic that stands out: Anaheim has recorded an astonishing 25 comeback wins this season. That resilience speaks to the team's character and the kind of belief that is essential when games get tight in the playoffs. The Ducks aren't just winning — they're winning the hard way, repeatedly.

The win over Calgary did come at a cost, however. The Ducks lost defensemen Radko Gudas (lower body injury) and Pavel Mintyukov to injury during the game, raising concerns about their defensive depth heading into the stretch run.

Why Granlund Is the Must-Add Fantasy Hockey Pickup Right Now

If you play fantasy hockey and Granlund is sitting on your waiver wire, this is your wake-up call. Despite his seven-goal streak and 19 goals on the season, Granlund is only 23% rostered in Yahoo fantasy leagues — an almost unbelievable figure given his current production.

Yahoo Sports highlighted Granlund in their NHL Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Pickups for March 28, listing him among the top reliable veterans to add ahead of the Ducks' matchup against the Oilers. His spot on a top power-play unit, combined with a favorable schedule down the stretch for Anaheim, makes him an ideal target for fantasy managers looking for a difference-maker.

Here's why Granlund makes sense as a fantasy pickup right now:

• Power-play upside: He proved against Calgary that he can deliver clutch PPGs in high-leverage moments.
• Hot hand: Seven goals in four games is elite production by any standard.
• Team context: Anaheim is playing its best hockey of the season with plenty of games remaining.
• Low roster rate: At 23% rostered, he's still available in the vast majority of leagues.
• Veteran poise: Granlund thrives under pressure — exactly what you want from a fantasy player in playoff weeks.

If you're looking to gear up for your own fantasy hockey run, consider picking up some NHL hockey jerseys or hockey trading cards to celebrate standout performances like Granlund's this season.

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Anaheim

Beyond the fantasy implications, Granlund's emergence is a key piece of what Anaheim is building. The Ducks have long been considered a rebuilding team, and while young stars have drawn most of the attention, it's veterans like Granlund who provide the experience and clutch performance needed to actually win in the postseason.

His hat trick against Calgary, as detailed by MSN Sports, came in a must-win situation against a divisional rival, and the composure he showed in the final second of overtime speaks volumes about his value to this team. That power-play goal didn't just win a game — it sent a message to the rest of the Pacific Division that the Ducks are for real.

With the regular season winding down and every point crucial in the standings race, Anaheim will need Granlund to continue producing. If he can maintain even a fraction of this pace, the Ducks' playoff chances look very strong indeed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mikael Granlund

How many career hat tricks does Mikael Granlund have?

The March 26, 2026 hat trick against the Calgary Flames was Mikael Granlund's fourth career hat trick in the NHL, and arguably the most dramatic — sealed with a power-play goal with one second remaining in overtime.

What is Granlund's goal total for the 2025-26 season?

Following his hat trick against Calgary, Granlund has 19 goals on the season, with seven of those coming during a torrid four-game goal streak in late March 2026.

Should I add Mikael Granlund in fantasy hockey?

Yes — if he's available in your league, he is one of the top waiver wire targets right now. He is only 23% rostered in Yahoo leagues despite producing seven goals in four games. His power-play role and the Ducks' strong offensive environment make him an excellent add for the stretch run.

Are the Anaheim Ducks making the playoffs in 2026?

The Ducks are in a very strong position. With 86 points and a five-point lead over Edmonton in the Pacific Division, Anaheim is well on track for its first playoff appearance since 2018. They are 41-27-4 and have won four straight games.

Who assisted on Granlund's overtime hat trick goal?

Defenseman John Carlson recorded the assist on Granlund's overtime power-play goal — the one that completed the hat trick and sealed the 3-2 victory over the Calgary Flames on March 26, 2026.

Conclusion: A Moment That Defines a Season

Mikael Granlund's last-second overtime hat trick goal is the kind of moment that gets replayed for years. It was clutch, it was dramatic, and it came at the perfect time for an Anaheim Ducks team that is on the verge of ending a long playoff drought. With seven goals in four games, a 23% roster rate in fantasy leagues that should be climbing rapidly, and a Ducks squad playing its best hockey of the year, Granlund has established himself as one of the most exciting stories in the NHL right now.

For Ducks fans, this is a moment to savor. For fantasy hockey managers, it's a call to action. And for the rest of the Pacific Division — consider yourselves warned. Mikael Granlund and the Anaheim Ducks are playing with house money, and they are not done yet.