The Anaheim Ducks have eliminated the Edmonton Oilers from the NHL playoffs with a decisive 5-2 victory in Game 6 on May 1, 2026. This loss ends the Oilers’ hopes for a third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance.
As the game unfolded, the Ducks took control early. They scored three goals in the first period, setting the tone for their performance. For the first time in this series, Anaheim opened the scoring.
Ryan Poehling netted his fourth goal of the series during this crucial match. Chris Kreider also made an impact, scoring his first playoff goal with the Ducks.
Cutter Gauthier contributed as well, scoring a power-play goal that marked their eighth power-play goal in just 16 opportunities throughout these playoffs.
Lukas Dostal rebounded after being pulled in Game 5. He made 25 saves in Game 6, showcasing his resilience in goal.
On the other hand, Connor McDavid struggled significantly during this game. The Oilers were outshot and out-chanced while he was on the ice, leading to questions about his performance under pressure.
Joel Quenneville improved his record to 20-6 in Game 6s as a head coach with this victory. His leadership has proven vital for the Ducks.
This win allows Anaheim to advance to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2017. They now await the winner of the Utah Mammoth-Vegas Golden Knights series, which Vegas currently leads 3-2.
The Oilers faced disappointment after losing in the Final to the Florida Panthers for two consecutive years. Mattias Ekholm had a particularly difficult series and struggled defensively in Game 6.
Beckett Sennecke recorded two shots on goal during this decisive game, totaling 17 shots across the series. This elimination marks a significant moment for both teams moving forward.
