The Edmonton Oilers turned up the heat in the second period and never looked back, pouring in three rapid-fire goals to break open a tight game and ultimately outgun the Anaheim Ducks, 7-4. The scoreboard tells one story, but the real headline? Mattias Ekholm, the Swedish blueliner known more for his steady presence than flashy offense, delivered a hat trick - a rare feat for a defenseman and a moment that lit up Rogers Place.
This was a game that had a little bit of everything: high-octane offense, special teams execution, and a flurry of Grade A chances on both ends. The Oilers and Ducks each generated 19 Grade A shots, but when it came to the truly dangerous looks - the so-called “5-alarm” chances - Edmonton held the edge, 12-7. That gap in quality looks helped tilt the ice in favor of the home team.
Ekholm’s Hat Trick Steals the Show
Mattias Ekholm doesn’t usually find himself in the spotlight for his goal-scoring, but this night was different. The veteran defenseman was everywhere - jumping into the play, finding soft spots in the Ducks' coverage, and cashing in.
His third goal, an empty-netter, sealed the win and the hat trick, sending the crowd into a frenzy. It was a performance that showcased just how dangerous the Oilers can be when their blue line contributes offensively.
McDavid’s Relentless Pressure
Connor McDavid had a night that didn’t always show up on the scoresheet - though he still finished with a goal and an assist. He was a constant threat, especially on the power play, where he sliced through the Ducks’ penalty kill with ease.
Early on, he created multiple high-danger chances - one where he beat everyone but missed the net, another where he set up Leon Draisaitl for a prime look, and a third where he nearly scored himself. He also drew a penalty shot after a strong drive against Jacob Trouba, though he couldn’t convert.
Still, McDavid’s presence was felt throughout. He won a key puck battle on the penalty kill that led to a scoring chance for Ekholm, and he capped his night with an empty-net goal. His Grade A shot contributions were solid: +3/-1 at even strength, and +2/-0 on special teams - a testament to how much he drove play in all situations.
Zach Hyman: Doing the Dirty Work
Zach Hyman continues to be the engine that powers Edmonton’s top six. He chipped in a goal and an assist, both coming from right around the net - his office, as Oilers fans know well.
His first goal came from a rebound jam at the post, opening the scoring for Edmonton. Later, he made a slick feed to Ekholm for the go-ahead goal in the second period.
Hyman nearly added another in the third, getting a clean look off a lob pass from Evan Bouchard and a clever setup from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. His Grade A shot differential was a mixed bag - +2/-2 at even strength, +1/-0 on special teams - but his impact went beyond the numbers. He was physical, relentless, and always around the puck.
What This Win Means
This was a game where Edmonton’s stars showed up, but it was the depth and defense that pushed them over the top. When Ekholm is scoring like that, and when the team is creating - and finishing - 5-alarm chances, the Oilers become a matchup nightmare. It wasn’t a perfect game, as the Ducks managed to hang around and put up four goals of their own, but Edmonton’s offensive firepower proved too much.
The Oilers are starting to look like a team that’s found its rhythm. The top line is clicking, the defense is jumping in at the right times, and special teams are holding up. If they can bottle this kind of second-period surge and spread it over 60 minutes, they’ll be a tough out for anyone.