The Anaheim Ducks are showing renewed optimism ahead of the upcoming hockey season, buoyed by their first Stanley Cup Playoff appearance since 2017-18. After securing a spot in the postseason last year, the team fell short in the opening round, bowing out to a higher-seeded opponent. With momentum from that run still fresh, the Ducks appear eager to build on their progress and push deeper into the playoffs. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this young squad can sustain its upward trajectory.

Yes, Carlsson is confident. So are the Ducks, who qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs last year for the first time since 2017-18. Anaheim was eliminated by the Vegas Golden Knights, who advanced to ...