Send us a text

Seven goals. Twice. A hat trick. A shutout. And a fanbase arguing about short-handed goals against. This week gave us everything: Anaheim’s young core exploding for highlight after highlight, Los Angeles flashing brilliance one night and bleeding momentum the next, and a league full of surprises that actually matter when you zoom into the numbers.

We start with Ducks fireworks: Leo Carlsson’s playmaking has turned zone entries into scoring chances on command, while Cutter Gauthier’s release is already dictating penalty-kill coverage and opening space for Vatrano, Terry, and Kreider. Add Dostal’s timely saves and Lacombe’s blue line poise, and you get back-to-back seven-goal wins, and a season sweep of the defending champs. The takeaway is bigger than a hot streak: chemistry and scheme finally match the roster. Keep it intact, target age-aligned upgrades only, and add defensive layers to survive playoff pressure.

Then, the Kings. Kuemper’s shutout over Winnipeg was stellar, Doughty’s record was deserved, and Perry’s energy is real. But the trends you can’t ignore are the shorties against and the identity tug-of-war between a defense-first system and a roster that needs faster, bolder support through the middle. We break down where the power play is leaking, what structural tweaks could fix it, and where the coaching conversation turns from patience to decision.

Around the league, we hit the moments that matter: milestone goals, eye-catching sweaters in Utah, injuries and personal leaves that ripple through standings, and the latest awards watch. If you care about how trends become outcomes—youth acceleration, systems fit, and trade timing—this one’s for you.

If you’re riding the Ducks’ surge or fretting the Kings’ inconsistencies, jump in. Follow, share with a hockey friend, and leave a quick review to help more fans find the show. What’s your fix: tighten the PK, or change the bench voice first?

Support the show

https://linktr.ee/royallyquacked

https://linktr.ee/ESENetwork

Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/MEx82G9w

Iron+Steel Threads: Use code RQ10 to save 10% on your order.
https://ironsteelthreads.com/?ref=rq

Use Promo Code: RQ10 for 10 % off your order.
Dubby - Clean Energy To Help You Be Better – Dubby Energy

Use code ROYALLYQUACKED $20 off your first SeatGeek order:
https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/teamseatgeek

Podcast Socials:
Instagram: @royallyquacked
Twitter: @RoyallyQuacked
TikTok: RoyallyQuacked

Our Socials:
Cody Spink
Instagram: @spinko1221
Twitter: @spinko1221

Gary Spink
Instagram: @garyspink21