Anaheim’s Cutter Gauthier made NHL history Sunday, scoring his third hat trick in the first 10 days of November as the Ducks beat Pittsburgh 5-2. The 22-year-old is powering a high-scoring Anaheim team that has opened the season among the league’s most exciting clubs.

By the Numbers
  • Gauthier has 15 goals and 7 assists for 22 points in 17 games.
  • Anaheim has scored at least 5 goals in 8 straight games — the first NHL team to do so since the 1988-90 Los Angeles Kings.
  • The Ducks’ power play is converting at 38.5%.
  • Anaheim has 21 points through 18 games; the season is scheduled for 84 games.
Yes, But

Gauthier’s first two November hat tricks each included two power-play goals, benefiting from Anaheim’s league-best man advantage. Sunday’s three goals came at even strength, including an empty-netter in the final minute.

State of Play
  • Gauthier ranks third in the NHL in goals and 17th in points.
  • The Ducks are third in the Pacific Division.
  • Anaheim hosts Nashville on Wednesday.
Bottom Line

Gauthier’s scoring surge is historic, but it’s also part of a broader team run: Anaheim is producing goals at a pace that could make it a serious force in the Pacific.