Oilers vs. Ducks Preview: Pacific Division Rivals Meet with Momentum on Their Side
The Pacific Division is heating up, and Saturday’s matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks has all the makings of a midseason tone-setter. Both clubs are riding high off overtime wins, and while their paths to this point have looked different, they’re each very much in the playoff hunt - and looking to make a statement.
Let’s break down where these teams stand, who’s driving the bus, and what to expect when the puck drops.
Oilers Finding Their Stride - And Their Swagger
Edmonton enters the game sitting second in the Pacific Division, and they’re doing it with the kind of offensive firepower that keeps opposing coaches up at night. Their 6-5 overtime win over Washington was chaotic, sure, but it also showcased what makes this team dangerous: elite talent that can flip the game in an instant.
Connor McDavid continues to be the engine, and right now, he’s operating at MVP-level efficiency. Through 53 games, he’s racked up 32 goals and 58 assists - that’s 90 points, folks.
And he’s not doing it alone. Leon Draisaitl’s 70 points in 50 games and Evan Bouchard’s 55 from the blue line give Edmonton a three-headed monster few teams can match.
The Oilers’ power play is clicking at 31.8%, which is absurd in today’s NHL. It’s not just good - it’s game-breaking. Combine that with a respectable penalty kill (80.8%) and a faceoff win rate north of 52%, and you’ve got a team that’s winning the little battles that often decide games.
Defensively, there’s room for improvement. They’re allowing 3.17 goals per game, which puts pressure on their offense to outscore mistakes - something they’ve managed so far, but it’s a fine line to walk.
Tristan Jarry gets the start in net, bringing a 2.82 GAA and .900 save percentage. He’s been solid, if not spectacular, but when your offense is this potent, solid might be enough.
Ducks Surging Despite Injuries
Don’t look now, but the Anaheim Ducks are quietly making noise. With a 27-21-3 record and 57 points, they’re just behind Edmonton in the division standings. And they’ve been hot lately - 7-3-0 in their last 10, including a gritty 4-3 overtime win in Calgary.
What’s impressive is that they’re doing this while navigating a brutal injury list. Troy Terry, Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, and Frank Vatrano are all out, and that’s a big chunk of their top-six.
Still, Anaheim’s depth is stepping up. Rookie Cutter Gauthier is showing why the Ducks were so high on him - 23 goals and 46 points in 51 games - while Carlsson (before his thigh injury) was making a strong Calder case of his own.
Anaheim’s special teams are a mixed bag. The power play is struggling at 16.9%, but the penalty kill is holding steady at 78.1%.
More importantly, they’ve tightened up defensively, allowing just 2.48 goals per game - a full goal less than Edmonton. That’s not a fluke.
They’ve been structured, disciplined, and opportunistic.
Goaltending remains a question mark. Ville Husso is expected in net, and his numbers (3.08 GAA, .888 SV%) suggest he’s been fighting it. But with the Ducks grinding out wins and playing smart hockey in front of him, he doesn’t need to be a hero - just steady.
Head-to-Head Breakdown
This one’s tight on paper. Edmonton holds a slight edge in overall record (26-19-8 vs.
Anaheim’s 27-21-3), but the Ducks have been better recently and are winning more consistently on the road. Edmonton’s offense is more explosive (3.38 goals per game to Anaheim’s 3.21), but the Ducks are stingier defensively.
Faceoffs could be a hidden X-factor. Edmonton wins 52.4% of their draws compared to Anaheim’s 47.0%, and in a close game, that puck possession edge could tilt things.
What to Watch For
- **Can Anaheim slow down McDavid and Draisaitl? ** That’s the million-dollar question.
Few teams can, and with key defensive forwards out, the Ducks will need a total team effort.
- **Will Edmonton’s power play be the difference? ** At 31.8%, they’re lethal.
Anaheim can’t afford to take undisciplined penalties.
- Depth scoring for the Ducks. With their stars on the shelf, guys like Gauthier and Max Jones will need to keep producing.
- Goaltending battle. Jarry’s been better statistically, but neither netminder is stealing games right now. This could come down to who makes the timely save in the third period or overtime.
The Bottom Line
This is a classic clash of styles: Edmonton’s high-octane offense versus Anaheim’s structured, resilient approach. Both teams have momentum, both are dealing with adversity, and both know how important these divisional points are.
Expect speed, skill, and maybe a little chaos - just the way we like it in the Pacific.