The Edmonton Oilers missed a crucial opportunity to close the gap on second place in the Pacific Division with a 3-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Monday. This defeat prevented the Oilers from gaining ground on the Los Angeles Kings, who also suffered a 2-1 loss to the Seattle Kraken on the same day. Both teams, the Oilers and Kings, have five games remaining in the NHL regular season.
Cutter Gauthier scored twice in the second period, and Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal delivered an impressive performance, making 45 saves. Mason McTavish also contributed to the Ducks’ offense, helping them snap a two-game losing streak. For the Oilers, Adam Henrique recorded a goal and an assist, while Jeff Skinner also found the net. Rookie goaltender Olivier Rodrigue made 18 saves in his first NHL start.
“If we finish a road trip like that with a 3-1 record, we’d be very happy. To finish 2-2 after starting 2-0 is disappointing,” said Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch, according to NHL.com. “Tonight’s game felt like one we probably should have won.”
The Oilers, who were without their point leaders Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDaviddue to lower-body injuries, played with 11 forwards and six defensemen due to salary cap restrictions.
Oilers pay for missed opportunities
“Sometimes, with fewer players, it’s easier for the remaining players to be more involved in the game,” Knoblauch said about the lineup situation. “There were moments where having an extra player on the bench could have helped, whether for matchups or for defense in outnumbered situations.”
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Despite generating numerous offensive opportunities, the Oilers failed to capitalize, especially on the power play, where they missed six chances. Dostal’s stellar performance in goal for the Ducks proved to be a decisive factor in the final outcome.
Looking ahead for the Oilers
The loss to the Ducks marked the end of the Oilers’ four-game road trip, leaving them with a 2-2 record. Although the team was disappointed not to collect more points on the road, they will look to learn from this experience as they regroup for the remaining regular season games. The health of Draisaitl and McDavid will be crucial to the Oilers’ playoff aspirations as they head into the final stretch of the NHL season.
