After a successful two-game road trip with wins over Utah and Vegas, the Edmonton Oilers are back at Rogers Place, gearing up for a crucial homestand as the regular season winds down. First on their agenda are the Pacific Division-leading Anaheim Ducks, who hold a five-point advantage over Edmonton with just a few games left on the docket.
Anaheim Ducks @ Edmonton Oilers
The Ducks are riding high on a four-game winning streak. They recently topped Vancouver 5-3 and edged out Calgary 3-2 in overtime, showcasing their resilience by coming from behind twice. A victory over the Oilers would cap off a perfect sweep of their three-game Canadian road trip.
For the Oilers, a win would mark their second three-game winning streak of the season, a feat they last achieved in January with triumphs over Washington, Anaheim, and San Jose.
This matchup marks the final regular-season meeting between Edmonton and Anaheim. The Oilers took the first game with a decisive 7-4 victory at home, while the Ducks bounced back with a 6-5 win in Anaheim post-Olympic break.
The Ducks haven’t seen playoff action since the 2017-18 season when they were swept by the Sharks. However, after years of rebuilding, Anaheim's young core, featuring Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Jackson LaCombe, and Lukas Dostal, is showing promise. They've bolstered their lineup with seasoned players like Mikael Granlund, Chris Kreider, Jacob Trouba, and John Carlson.
Offensively, Gauthier leads the charge with 36 goals and 63 points in 71 games during his sophomore NHL season. Right behind him is Carlsson, the 2023 second-overall pick, with 24 goals and 61 points over 60 games. Kreider, rookie Beckett Sennecke, and Granlund are also contributing significantly to the scoreboard.
Despite their offensive prowess, Anaheim struggles defensively, ranking 28th in the league with 247 goals against. Dostal has been the primary netminder, posting a 29-15-3 record with a .893 save percentage in 48 starts. Ville Husso and Perk Mrazek have shared backup duties, with Mrazek sidelined after hip surgery.
Inside the Locker Rooms
Oilers winger Zach Hyman emphasized the importance of every point in the tight Pacific Division race, noting the urgency with only nine games left.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch praised the Oilers' playoff-like focus, highlighting their attention to detail and simplified gameplay as key factors in their recent success.
Goaltender Connor Ingram reflected on the successful road trip, attributing their wins to a straightforward style of play that capitalizes on their opportunities while minimizing opponents' chances.
On the Ducks' side, head coach Joel Quenneville acknowledged the chaotic nature of their comeback win in Calgary, expressing gratitude for their recent good fortune.
Forward Mikael Granlund, who has netted seven goals during the Ducks' winning streak, is riding a hot hand and emphasizes the importance of strong starts and scoring first, especially with playoffs looming.
The Stakes
For the Oilers, this game is a pivotal opportunity to stay in contention for the Pacific Division title. A regulation win for the Ducks would widen their lead to seven points over Edmonton, with an extra game in hand. The pressure is on, and both teams know what's at stake.