The Edmonton Oilers are currently down their first round series against the Anaheim Ducks 2–1. Going into the series, many were confident in the Oilers offensive capabilities to exploit the Ducks and their defensive weaknesses.
However, the series has gone all but expected. The Ducks offence has completely steamrolled the Oilers, and Connor McDavid has been held to almost complete silence. McDavid got injured in Game 2, and the injury has clearly caused some struggles. Will this injury be a potential threat to send the Oilers home early?
The Ducks have contained McDavid
First of all, credit must be given where credit is due. The Ducks have played a phenomenal series to this point and a huge factor in that has been shutting McDavid down. Ever since the puck dropped in game one, the Ducks have given McDavid no time and space, making it extremely difficult on him. Whenever he touches the puck, one, two, or three Ducks converge on him to force a turnover. Even when he does manage to get a clear rush, Lukas Dostal has been able to close the door.
The Ducks are mainly known for their offensive capabilities (which have been on full display), but the defensive game has caught the Oilers off guard. Playing the Los Angeles Kings for the past four first rounds certainly did not prepare them for this. McDavid was used to torching a low offence Kings team in previous years and has now been dealt a young, fast, and strong Ducks squad.
In years prior, the Oilers have had it easy. The Kings simply could not match McDavid’s scoring as the forward has recorded 47 points in 24 career playoff games against the Kings. Ever since the 2022 playoff run, McDavid had only been held pointless for two straight games once. That was in six and seven against the Florida Panthers in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final. Meanwhile, the Ducks have now matched the Panthers in doing so, as McDavid had no points in games one and two. It is not a good sign early on.
McDavid’s injury has caused serious concern
If this was not bad enough, the situation took an awful turn in game two, when McDavid got tied up with teammate Mattias Ekholm. Here, McDavid tweaked something and was in obvious discomfort. The injury had an immediate impact on McDavid. He did not skate as fast as he could and was clearly flustered. Shortly after the injury, McDavid made an awful turnover that led to a shorthanded goal from Ryan Poehling. This goal was a killer in game two, which ended in a Ducks 6–4 victory.
Fans were hoping that the injury was nothing serious and that McDavid would be back to his normal self in no time. Unfortunately, that was not the case in game three. McDavid continued to be on the outside of the play, while the Ducks absolutely destroyed the Oilers in the first period. They put up 20 shots on goal and were leading 2–1. Without Connor Ingram, it could have been 5–1 Ducks after the first. At the end of the night, McDavid had a minus four rating alongside a dumb cross-checking penalty.
Thankfully, in the third period of Game 3, there was a glimpse of hope. McDavid received a pass on the half wall and finally had some time and space. The captain walked in and sniped one blocker side on Dostal, giving the Oilers a chance. At this point, it was just a one-goal game. For the next eight minutes, the Oilers had the chance to tie it, but a late breakdown would cost them. Jeffrey Viel capitalized on a defensive mess that left him alone in front. This easily handed the Ducks the win.
What must the Oilers do next?
Going into Game 4, the Oilers are in a must-win situation. Falling down 3–1 in this series would be a disaster, especially with how well the offence has been rolling for the Ducks. If the Oilers can manage a win in Game 4, they take some momentum back to home ice for Game 5. It was reported by Jack Michaels that Jason Dickinson will be a game-time decision tonight. There could also be a change in net.
My hunch is that Jarry will play tomorrow—Kris Knoblauch did not commit to a starter for Game 4, 7:50 puck drop on @Sportsnet.
— Jack Michaels (@EdmontonJack) April 25, 2026
Dickinson game-time decision. pic.twitter.com/7MKPvTq9cF
Is it time for the Oilers to turn towards Tristan Jarry? After all, the reason why they traded for him was to gear up for a playoff run. I think they must roll with him because, whether the Oilers like it or not, he was supposed to be the guy. The massive bright side to this situation is that I think if Jarry can get them a win, it will bring a significant shift in momentum. The Oilers used two goalies in both of their previous runs, so why not do it again?
Tonight is a massive game that requires all hands on deck. McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard need to step it up, as they have been complete disappointments so far. It is time to lock in.
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