Ducks Edge Oilers 3-2 Amid Injury Struggles

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — The Anaheim Ducks secured a 3-2 victory over the short-handed Edmonton Oilers on Monday night, powered by two goals from Cutter Gauthier and a season-high 47 saves by goaltender Lukas Dostal. The game took place as the Oilers continued to grapple with critical injuries to their star players.

The Ducks claimed three wins out of four encounters this season against the Oilers, who played without star forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl due to lower-body injuries. McDavid’s absence marked his eighth consecutive game on the sidelines, while Draisaitl missed his second straight. Both players’ absence was keenly felt as the Oilers attempted to secure a playoff berth.

Despite their challenges, the Oilers pressed hard. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Viktor Arvidsson scored for Edmonton and Jaden Schwartz newly joined on the ice but failed to bring the team back from a deficit. Arvidsson’s goal was his fifth in six games since rejoining the team near the trade deadline.

Gauthier opened the scoring in the second period, tying the game with a powerful one-timer off a pass from Mason McTavish, who also had a strong night with a goal. Gauthier quickly followed up with his second goal just five minutes later, demonstrating his scoring prowess with a backhand shot over Dostal’s shoulder for his third multi-goal game of the season.

Late in the game, Skinner put the Oilers back in contention with a goal at 3:31 remaining, but the Ducks held strong, surviving a near miss when a slap shot from the Oilers hit Dostal’s post in the final moments.

“We showed great resilience tonight,” Dostal said after the game. “Everyone stepped up, especially with the injuries we’re facing.”

With this win, the Ducks displayed a glimmer of hope for what has been a challenging season, improving to 14-6-1 at home. For the first time since their Stanley Cup championship in 2007, the Ducks now have six players scoring at least 17 goals.

The Oilers, despite the setback, still position themselves for a potential playoff match against the Los Angeles Kings, who currently hold home-ice advantage in the first round. This loss, however, complicates their playoff hopes as they remain just two points behind the Kings.

Both teams will be back in action soon; the Ducks are set to host the Calgary Flames on Wednesday while the Oilers face the St. Louis Blues.