Oilers Fall to Ducks, Remain Behind Kings in Division Race

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Edmonton Oilers‘ hopes of closing the gap for second place in the Pacific Division dwindled with a 3-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on Monday.

The Oilers fell four points behind the Los Angeles Kings, who lost 2-1 to the Seattle Kraken later that evening. With both teams having five games remaining in the regular season, the race for postseason positioning remains intense.

“Tonight’s game, I feel like it was one that we probably should have won,” said Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch. The Oilers fell to 44-28-5 with the defeat, concluding a four-game road trip with a 2-2-0 record.

The Ducks (34-35-8), aiming for their first win after two consecutive losses, were powered by forward Gauthier, who scored twice in the second period, and goaltender Dostal, who saved 45 shots. “I was under pressure a little bit today, but I’m just glad we could take the win,” Dostal said.

Hyman and McDavid contributed greatly for Edmonton, with Hyman notching a goal and an assist, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory. “We had lots of opportunities to put the puck in the back of the net,” Hyman stated. “That’s part of the game we’ve got to find a way to capitalize on the chances we have, and we didn’t do that enough tonight.”

The game opened with Henrique giving Edmonton a 1-0 advantage at 17:51 of the first period after capitalizing on a turnover. He redirected a shot from the point by Bouchard while Ducks goaltender Dostal scrambled to recover.

Gauthier quickly leveled the score for Anaheim at 2:20 of the second period after receiving a pass from McTavish. He then netted his second goal later in the period, putting the Ducks ahead 2-1 with a deft backhanded shot. “I built some speed up there and just wanted to use my speed and beat him and, fortunately, I did,” Gauthier explained.

Despite having a four-minute power play early in the third period, the Oilers were unable to find the back of the net, finishing the night 0 for 6 on the power play. “We are playing a little bit more tighter,” Dostal attributed the Ducks’ success to their disciplined penalty kill.

The Ducks extended their lead to 3-1 at 5:33 in the final period when McTavish scored on a breakaway. Skinner later cut the lead to 3-2 with a deflection at 16:29 after pulling the Oilers’ goalie for an extra skater.

The Ducks not only secured a critical victory but also won the season series against the Oilers, taking three of four matchups. “We’re building a strong identity,” Dostal noted. “We have a strategy that we’re confident in.”

NOTES: Gauthier finished the season series with three goals and four assists against Edmonton… McTavish registered seven points over his last seven games… The Oilers now face pressure to recover in their next outings as they strive to secure a playoff berth.