The Anaheim Ducks are leading the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 after two periods in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series. The game took place on Wednesday. Both teams showcased their star players early on, with Leon Draisaitl scoring for the Oilers and Cutter Gauthier netting his first career playoff goal for the Ducks.
Poehling Boosts Ducks’ Lead Against Oilers
Jacob Trouba put the Ducks ahead in the second period with his first playoff goal, scoring with a shot that slid past Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram. During the regular season, Trouba recorded 10 goals and 35 points in 81 games, averaging nearly 23 minutes of ice time per game.
Ducks Extend Lead
Three minutes later, the Ducks increased their advantage on a power play. Alex Killorn found the net after collecting a rebound, achieving his 38th career playoff goal. Killorn’s notable experience includes winning back-to-back Stanley Cup titles with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021.
- Goals scored in the game:
- Leon Draisaitl (Oilers)
- Cutter Gauthier (Ducks)
- Jacob Trouba (Ducks)
- Alex Killorn (Ducks)
- Connor Murphy (Oilers)
- Ryan Poehling (Ducks)
- Zach Hyman (Oilers)
Edmonton responded with a goal from Connor Murphy, who scored with a point shot during his first career playoff appearance after 13 seasons. Shortly afterwards, Ryan Poehling restored the Ducks’ two-goal lead with a short-handed goal. However, Zach Hyman quickly answered back for the Oilers. Both teams faced challenges on special teams; the Ducks converted 2-of-3 power plays and added the short-handed goal, while the Oilers failed to score on their power plays, ending the night 0-for-3.
Injury Updates
The Oilers’ captain, Connor McDavid, left the game due to an ankle injury but managed to return later. McDavid had a stellar regular season, leading the NHL in scoring with 138 points and finishing third in goals with 48.
Looking Ahead
The Ducks are making their first playoff appearance since the 2017-18 season, finishing the regular season with a record of 43 wins, 33 losses, and 6 overtime losses. The series will next move to Anaheim for Game 3 at the Honda Centre on Friday, as the Ducks aim to build on their current lead.
