NHL: Ducks eye series win in Game 6, but Oilers have knack for comebacks

The first chance for the Anaheim Ducks to close out their playoff series went unfulfilled, but they will have another opportunity Thursday on home ice when they host the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of their Western Conference first-round matchup.

“We’re going to be more ready for the first five, 10 minutes,” forward Leo Carlsson said Wednesday. “We know that they’re going to come out hard, so we just have to match that energy.”

Anaheim had a chance to eliminate the two-time defending Stanley Cup finalists, but Edmonton extended the series with a convincing 4-1 victory at home on Tuesday. The Oilers jumped out to a 3-0 lead just past the 10-minute mark and held firm the rest of the way, even as the Ducks controlled a 24-8 edge in shots over the final two periods.

Despite the loss, Anaheim still leads the best-of-seven series 3-2.

“I always find in the course of a playoff series, there’s going to be one game that you want to throw in the can, you just didn’t have it up to par, and you’re wondering, ‘Why?’” Ducks coach Joel Quenneville said. “It happens, it seems like, every year in every playoff round.”

The Ducks have reason for optimism heading into Game 6. They won the first two games at home and have also maintained a strong power play, converting seven times on 14 opportunities through the first five contests.

Quenneville said the latest setback also served as a valuable lesson for a young group learning how to close out a series.

“They had their best (against) a bunch of guys that never had a chance to close out a series,” he said. “We learned that you better be ready at puck drop.”

For Edmonton, the win kept their season alive, a familiar position for a team that has overcome multiple series deficits in recent years. The Oilers now face the difficult task of winning three straight to advance to the second round.

Still, the mood improved significantly after Tuesday’s result as the team traveled to Southern California.

“You always feel good after a win. That definitely changes it,” Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said. “After a loss, especially in overtime, heads are hanging and you feel down. A win, you’re thinking we only need two instead of three and the task doesn’t seem so difficult.”

Edmonton captain Connor McDavid, who recorded two assists in Game 5, said the team remains under pressure but believes it can respond again.

“We’re still in a tough, tough spot, a really tough spot,” McDavid said. “We’ve got to find a way to win in a tough building. You have to be grateful just getting to the next day. All we did is survive one more day. The pressure is still on us, but it’s a big game for them, too.”

The Oilers also point to their recent playoff resilience as reason for confidence. Since their 2024 run to the Stanley Cup Final, Edmonton has posted a 20-5 record in Games 4 through 7, including Tuesday’s win over Anaheim.

Defenseman Evan Bouchard, who had three assists in Game 5, said the team thrives in elimination situations.

“I’m sure you’ve heard this 1,000 times, when our backs are against the wall, we play good hockey,” Bouchard said. “We did that again.” -Field Level Media/Reuters