Holding a 3-1 series lead, the Ducks are returning to Edmonton for Game 5, poised to clinch the series against the Oilers, who trail 1-3.
The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. PT puck drop, with local broadcasts available on KCOP-13 and Victory+. Nationally, viewers can catch the action on TNT.
Living up to their nickname, the “Cardiac Quacks,” Anaheim secured a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory against Edmonton in Sunday’s Game 4.
Jeffrey Viel’s third-period equalizer forced the game into a suspenseful extra frame. Ryan Poehling then delivered the decisive goal, confirmed after a review, marking Anaheim’s 25th overtime winner in franchise playoff history when the puck was deemed to have crossed the goal line.
Reflecting on the moment, Poehling shared, “My college coach always emphasized that ’60 percent of overtime winners originate from face-offs,’ just before I took that draw. Therefore, winning that draw and focusing intensely was crucial. I was aiming for a backdoor pass to (Chris Kreider) and fortunately, it deflected off their defenseman’s skate.”
Lukas Dostal made 24 saves, supported by two assists each from John Carlson and Jackson LaCombe. By Monday morning, LaCombe had distinguished himself as the leading scorer across all players in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, accumulating eight points. Furthermore, he established new franchise playoff records for points and assists by a defenseman within a single playoff series.
As Edmonton faces elimination, head coach Kris Knoblauch indicated that both Connor McDavid and Jason Dickinson are game-time decisions. Despite appearing to suffer a lower-body injury in Game 2, McDavid has played in every game this series, contributing one goal and three assists. Dickinson rejoined the Oilers in Game 4 following a two-game absence due to a lower-body injury. Tonight, Connor Ingram is slated to start in goal for Edmonton.
Regarding the Ducks, Quenneville stated that lineup alterations are “not likely” for the upcoming game.
The Ducks are acutely aware of the high stakes in tonight’s contest, with an opportunity to advance to the next round. Despite this, Quenneville and his squad expressed enthusiasm for the challenge, emphasizing their refusal to underestimate Edmonton, given the Oilers’ extensive postseason experience.
He remarked on Edmonton, saying, “Having competed in numerous playoff rounds recently, they are seasoned for these high-pressure scenarios, so we anticipate nothing less than their top performance.” He added, “For us, it presents another chance to learn about our team, and I’m eager to witness how we rise to the occasion.”
Beckett Sennecke articulated his team’s mindset, stating, “We must demonstrate relentlessness on the ice. Particularly when we know they will come at us intensely, it’s imperative that we pursue them aggressively and stick to our own style of play.”