Ducks defeat Oilers, advance to second round
The Quack Attack is moving on.
With a convincing 5-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 of the Pacific Division Semifinal on Thursday night, the Anaheim Ducks punched their ticket to the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
SEE YOU IN THE SECOND ROUND!!! #FlyTogether
It marks the first time the Ducks have won a playoff series since the second round in 2017, coincidentally coming at the expense of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and the Oilers. It’s also the first time Edmonton has lost in the opening round of the postseason since the North Division Semifinal in 2021.
The battle between the upstart Ducks and the two-time defending Western Conference champions was an entertaining one. The two teams combined for 47 goals in the six contests, giving fans and analysts plenty to talk about every game. The Oilers rallied back late to win the opening game of the series a little over a week ago, but Anaheim showed its grit in a 6-4 victory two nights later.
The tipping point in the series came when the two teams first played in Orange County. After the Ducks outgunned Edmonton, 7-4, in Game 3. Then, in Game 4, Ryan Poehling’s controversial goal gave Anaheim a huge overtime win, putting the home team up 3-1 in the series. While the Oilers avoided elimination on home ice, they looked lethargic on Thursday night, leading
Some might point to McDavid’s health as a reason for the Oilers’ downfall. No. 97 suffered what appeared to be an ankle injury in Game 2, but was able to play through it for the rest of the series. McDavid managed to score six points in the series. Draisaitl potted three goals and 10 points, currently leading all postseason skaters.
Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe led his team with eight points in the series.
The Ducks now await their opponent in the Pacific Division Final. They will face either the Vegas Golden Knights or the Utah Mammoth. The Golden Knights, up 3-2 in the series, can eliminate the Mammoth on Friday night.
The Ducks will try to make it to the Western Conference Final for the first time in nine years.