The 2011–12 Anaheim Ducks season was the 19th season of operation (18th season of play) for the National Hockey League franchise. Their first game of the season was held on October 7, 2011, against the Buffalo Sabres in Helsinki, Finland. The Ducks had a disappointing season compared to 2010–11, struggling in the first half of the season and digging a hole that was too deep to climb out of despite a second-half resurgence. 2011–12 marked the second time in their last three seasons that the Ducks have missed the playoffs. The Ducks ultimately finished the season in 13th place in the Western Conference and with a mediocre 34–36–12 record.