Ducks Face Crucial Test Against Rival Panthers in Quenneville Showdown

In a highly anticipated matchup, the Anaheim Ducks are set to host the Florida Panthers on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the Honda Center. The puck is scheduled to drop at 10:00 PM EST (7:00 PM PT), and the game will be broadcast on Victory+, KCOP-13, and SCRIPPS. This contest promises to be a thrilling affair, as the red-hot Ducks look to extend their winning streak against a formidable Panthers team led by their former coach, Joel Quenneville.

The Matchup

This game is more than just a regular-season contest; it’s a story of reunion, rivalry, and redemption. The Ducks, currently tied for first place in the Pacific Division, are enjoying their best start in years, while the Panthers are looking to find consistency on the road. The two teams have already met once this season, with the Ducks securing a dramatic 3-2 shootout victory on October 28. That win was particularly sweet for Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville, who was facing his former team for the first time since taking the helm in Anaheim.

Quenneville, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, was hired as the 12th head coach in Ducks history on May 8, 2025. His impact has been immediate, as he has guided the team to a 7-3-1 record through their first 11 games, their best start since the 2014-2015 season. The 67-year-old coach, who ranks second in NHL history in coaching wins, has brought a renewed sense of purpose and a winning culture to a Ducks team that is hungry to end a seven-season playoff drought.

The all-time head-to-head series between these two teams slightly favors the Panthers, who hold a 25-14-3-3 record against the Ducks. However, the Ducks’ recent victory, coupled with their strong play at home, suggests that this matchup will be a hard-fought battle.

Recent Form

The Anaheim Ducks are currently one of the hottest teams in the NHL. They are riding a three-game winning streak and have won five of their last six games. Their recent stretch of success includes a dominant 4-1 victory over the New Jersey Devils on November 2, where they outscored their opponents by a combined 9-3 in back-to-back games against Eastern Conference opponents. The Ducks’ offense has been firing on all cylinders, and they have a perfect 6-1-0 record when scoring at least three goals. Their strong play has propelled them to a first-place tie in the Pacific Division with the Vegas Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers.

The Florida Panthers, on the other hand, are coming off an emotional 4-3 shootout victory over the Dallas Stars on November 1. The win was a significant one for the team, as it came in Brad Marchand’s first game back after a brief leave of absence. Marchand scored the winning goal in the shootout, capping off a memorable night. The Panthers have a solid 6-5-1 record but have struggled on the road, with a 1-4-0 record away from home. They will be looking to build on the momentum from their recent win and prove that they can be a force to be reckoned with on the road.

Players to Watch

This game will feature some of the league’s most exciting players. For the Anaheim Ducks, all eyes will be on the dynamic duo of Leo Carlsson and Troy Terry. Carlsson, the 20-year-old Swedish center, has been on a tear, with nine points in his last five games. Terry, a veteran leader on the team, has been a consistent goal-scorer, with four goals in his last five contests. The Ducks will also be relying on a strong performance from goaltender Lukas Dostal, who made 32 saves in the recent win over the Devils.

For the Florida Panthers, the player to watch is undoubtedly Brad Marchand. The veteran forward is not only a skilled player but also the emotional leader of the team. His return to the lineup provided a significant boost to the Panthers, and he will be looking to continue his strong play against the Ducks. Sam Reinhart, who recently scored his 300th career goal, is another key player for the Panthers. He is currently on a four-game goal streak and will be a major threat to the Ducks’ defense. In goal, the Panthers will likely turn to Sergei Bobrovsky, who made 20 saves, including several crucial stops in overtime, in the win over the Stars.

Keys to Victory

For the Anaheim Ducks, the keys to victory will be to continue their high-scoring offense, maintain their strong home-ice advantage, and feed off the energy of the Honda Center crowd. They will need to be disciplined and avoid taking unnecessary penalties, as the Panthers have a potent power play. If the Ducks can continue to play with the same level of intensity and execution that they have shown in recent weeks, they will have a great chance of coming out on top.

For the Florida Panthers, the keys to victory will be to improve their road performance, get a strong performance from their key players, and build on the momentum from their recent win. They will need to find a way to shut down the Ducks’ high-powered offense and capitalize on their own scoring opportunities. The Panthers will also need to be mentally prepared for what is sure to be an emotional game, given the Quenneville connection.

Prediction

This game has all the makings of a classic. The Ducks are flying high, but the Panthers are a talented and experienced team that is capable of beating anyone on any given night. In the end, I believe the Ducks’ recent momentum and home-ice advantage will be the difference. I predict a close, hard-fought game, with the Ducks ultimately coming out on top with a 4-3 victory.

No matter the outcome, this is a game that hockey fans will not want to miss. Be sure to tune in and catch all the action. For more in-depth analysis and coverage of all your favorite Los Angeles sports teams, be sure to check out our YouTube channel and our show, “LA Sports Weekly.”