The Anaheim Ducks said goodbye to their fans. © APA / SEAN M. HAFFEY

The Ducks are out – and Clara goes to the World Cup?

The Anaheim Ducks have been eliminated in the NHL playoff quarterfinals. While this has caused great sadness in California, it could still bring joy to hockey fans in Italy.

15 May 2026

From: fop

The Ducks kept the best-of-seven series against Vegas close for a long time, but couldn't keep up in the decisive game. Mitch Marner, in particular, became a problem for Anaheim: The Golden Knights star scored a goal and assisted on another. With the 5-1 victory, Vegas won the series 4-2 and advanced to the Conference Finals.

Despite their decisive elimination, the Ducks put up a good fight in the playoffs. The young team displayed fighting spirit and great potential for much of the series, but ultimately had to concede to the greater experience and offensive prowess of the Golden Knights. Nevertheless, Anaheim can take away the valuable lesson of having taken an important step in their development.

The same applies to Damian Clara. The 21-year-old from Reischacher moved to California after his season ended in Scandinavia, first to play in the playoffs with the farm team San Diego Gulls and then to get his first taste of NHL action with the Ducks.

Damian Clara's NHL playoff journey has come to an end. © Instagram

The South Tyrolean goalie was allowed to participate in training in Anaheim and sat in the stands as a substitute during the games – as he did last night at the home Honda Center.

Anaheim decides on World Championship participation

Clara's journey now takes him back to Europe. The exact timing, however, rests with the Anaheim Ducks. If they grant the top talent permission to return, he will fly to Switzerland in the coming days and join Italy at the World Championship next week. The Azzurri will play their first two of seven World Championship games in Fribourg on Saturday (against Canada) and Sunday (against Slovakia). A decision regarding Clara's future is expected on Saturday.

The results from last night:

Buffalo Sabers – Montreal Canadiens 3-6
Anaheim Ducks – Vegas Golden Knights 1:5

The quarterfinal series:

Montreal – Buffalo 3:2
Carolina – Philadelphia 4:0 (Carolina in the semifinals)
Vegas – Anaheim 4:2 (Vegas in the semifinals)
Colorado – Minnesota 4:1 (Colorado in the semifinals)