Hold onto your hats, hockey fans, because Cutter Gauthier just made history! In a thrilling showdown, the young forward not only scored his first-ever NHL hat trick but also notched his first career 4-point game, propelling the Anaheim Ducks to a stunning 7-3 victory over the Florida Panthers. But here's where it gets even more exciting: this win marks the Ducks' fourth consecutive triumph, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with this season. And this is the part most people miss—Gauthier’s hat trick wasn’t just a fluke; it showcased his precision, with two of his goals coming on power plays, both one-timers from the right circle. Boldly, one could argue that Gauthier’s performance is a testament to the Ducks’ strategic drafting and player development, a point Florida coach Paul Maurice himself acknowledged. But is this young team truly ready to challenge the league’s elite? Let’s dive deeper.
The game was a rollercoaster from the start. Gauthier opened the scoring just 3:09 into the first period with a breakaway goal, slipping the puck five-hole past Panthers’ goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. ‘It’s a go-to shot,’ Gauthier explained, emphasizing his focus on speed and deception. Brad Marchand quickly responded for the Panthers, tying the game 1-1 after a Ducks turnover in the neutral zone. But Gauthier wasn’t done—he reclaimed the lead for Anaheim on the power play, showcasing his ‘unbelievable shot and release,’ as teammate Nikita Nesterenko put it. The second period saw the Panthers briefly take the lead with goals from Evan Rodrigues and Eetu Luostarinen, but then the Ducks unleashed a barrage, scoring five unanswered goals to seal the deal.
Controversially, the game wasn’t without its drama. A collision between Leo Carlsson and Rodrigues early in the third period resulted in a five-minute major interference penalty and a game misconduct for Carlsson. While Ducks coach Joel Quenneville defended the play as unintentional, it’s a moment that’s sure to spark debate among fans. Did the officials get it right, or was it an overreaction? Weigh in below!
Gauthier’s hat trick wasn’t just a personal milestone—it also tied him for the NHL lead in goals with 10. ‘When the puck’s going in, it’s going in,’ he humbly remarked, crediting his focus on creating opportunities. Meanwhile, the Ducks’ offensive firepower was on full display, with Nesterenko, Jacob Trouba, Chris Kreider, and Jansen Harkins all contributing to the goal fest. Anaheim’s ability to score in bunches is no fluke; they’ve now scored at least seven goals in an NHL-leading three games this season, averaging a league-best 3.92 goals per game.
But here’s the real question: Can the Ducks sustain this momentum? With a deep roster and a locker room full of players ‘buying in,’ as Gauthier put it, they certainly look poised to make some noise. However, the Panthers, despite the loss, remain a talented team with a 2-0-1 record in their previous three games. As forward Noah Gregor admitted, they’re not playing up to their standards, but they’re far from out of the race. This game was a clash of two teams heading in opposite directions—one soaring with confidence, the other searching for consistency. Which side will you bet on?
Fun fact: Gauthier became the fourth-youngest player in Ducks history to record a hat trick, joining the ranks of Carlsson, Sam Steel, and Isac Lundestrom. Even more impressive? Both Gauthier and Carlsson extended their point streaks to seven games, becoming the first pair of teammates aged 21 or younger to achieve this feat since Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in 2016-17. Is this the start of a new dynasty in Anaheim, or just a hot streak? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
