The 2009–10 Anaheim Ducks season was the team's 17th season of operation (16th season of play) in the National Hockey League (NHL). The Ducks first game of the season was held at home, on October 3, 2009, against the San Jose Sharks. The season began with high hopes, but ended with disappointment for its fans and players as the Ducks failed to make the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 2003–04.