Oilers Jump On Ducks Early, Extend The Series

Photo: AP

By Michael Walters

The Anaheim Ducks traveled to Edmonton for Game 5 of their series against the Oilers. Lukas Dostal was in net and Connor Ingram was back in net for Edmonton.

Vasily Podkolzin scored just over two minutes into the game to give the Oilers a 1-0 lead. He got the puck in close from the right circle and beat Dostal over the shoulder.

Zach Hyman then made it 2-0 about six minutes later. Dostal failed to clear the zone and the puck ended up being fired back on net. Hyman was in front to gather the rebound and fired the puck low past Dostal.

Leon Draisaitl then scored in front on a deflection to make it 3-0 Oilers just halfway through the first period. Ville Husso came in to relive Dostal. Edmonton held the three goal advantage after the first period.

The Ducks got on the board just before the halfway point of the second period on the power play. Mason McTavish found Alex Killorn in the slot and he beat Ingram to the open net.

The Oilers answered a few minutes later with their own power play goal. Draisailt scored his second of the game to make it a 4-1 Edmonton lead.

The Oilers carried over their three goal lead to start the third period. The Ducks tried to rally and ended up outshooting the Oilers 13-3 in the final period, but couldn’t get another goal. They pulled Husso with about five minutes to go, but a too many men on the ice penalty ended any hope of a comeback. Oilers won 4-1.

Analysis:

As expected the Oilers came out flying knowing they were facing elimination at home. The beginning of this contest was very similar to Game 5, except Edmonton was able to go up 3-0 by the end of the first period this time around. The Ducks were able to get one back, but the Oilers answered. The Ducks outshot the Oilers 24-8 after the first period, but the hole was to big to climb out of.

Edmonton has scored first in all five games this series, which hasn’t guaranteed them a victory, but has forced Anaheim to rally in every game. The key is who scores the second goal in this series. In Games 1, 4, and 5 the Oilers have gone up 2-0 in each game resulting in two wins and an overtime lose. In Games 2 and 3 Edmonton scored first, but Anaheim scored the second goals and won both contests..

Overall, Edmonton is out scoring Anaheim 9-3 in the first periods of this series. The Ducks need to get off to a better start. They don’t necessarily need to score first, but they can’t get behind by multiple goals especially in the first period.

The Ducks also lost a little bit of focus in this contest. They got frustrated once down 3-0 and started getting away from this game. They need to stay discipline and not give Edmonton too many power play chances. The Oilers had four man advantages in this contest and scored once.

The team defense was also shaky in the first period similar to the first period in Game 1. Anaheim was giving up too many rush chances and Edmonton took advantage. Overall in this series, the defense has been solid at limiting the quality scoring chances by the Oilers. They will need to do that starting at puck drop on Thursday night.

Team Notes/Stats:

Connor McDavid and Jason Dickinson were considered “game-time decisions” before the game by Edmonton Head Coach Kris Knoblauch. Both ended up playing, which didn’t really surprise anyone. Let’s just say I am considered a “game-time decision” as to whether I will attend Game 6.

What’s Next?

The Ducks host the Oilers Thursday at 7PM.

Support us by becoming a DucksNPucks patron! Members can win game tickets, Ducks gear, and more!

Want to start your sports media career? Then Join The Puck Network!

DucksNPucks is part of The Puck Network, which covers the entire NHL. There are openings to cover your favorite team(s) and earn school credits! If you are interested, then apply by filling out the form here: Join Our Team. What are you waiting for? Start your sports media career TODAY!

April 29th, 2026