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The Day After +1.0: Oilers take Game 1, Ducks show they belong
Photo credit: © Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
The Oilers opened their first-round series with a 4-3 win over the Ducks at Rogers Place on Monday night, taking a 1-0 lead while showing both the positives and challenges that come with playoff hockey.
Edmonton controlled the game early. Jason Dickinson opened the scoring late in the first period, and Kasperi Kapanen followed less than a minute later to give the Oilers a 2-0 lead. It was a strong start in front of a loud home crowd, but the momentum shifted quickly once Anaheim settled in.
The Ducks responded just 19 seconds into the second period, then tied the game a few minutes later. Troy Terry added a power-play goal midway through the frame to give Anaheim a 3-2 lead, sending Edmonton into the intermission trailing for the first time.
The Oilers worked their way back in the third. Dickinson scored his second of the game to even things up, and Kapanen followed with his second later in the period to restore Edmonton’s lead. From there, the Oilers were able to settle things down and close out the win.
After the game, Leon Draisaitl pointed to the importance of depth at this time of year. While top players are expected to contribute, he noted that playoff success depends on getting production from throughout the lineup. That was reflected in Game 1, with Dickinson and Kapanen playing key roles in the result.
There were other notable elements as well. Draisaitl returned to the lineup after missing time late in the regular season and acknowledged that it may take a few games to feel fully comfortable again. In goal, Connor Ingram earned his first NHL playoff win after dropping his first four opportunities, describing it as a meaningful moment after a long season.
The Oilers also dealt with some early adversity, as Adam Henrique left the game in the first period and did not return. Head coach Kris Knoblauch indicated more information would be available in the coming days, but noted that the team will need others to step into larger roles if the versatile veteran forward is unavailable.
For Anaheim, the game offered some encouragement despite the result. The Ducks generated offence, took the lead in the second period, and showed they could push back after falling behind early. With more than 10 players making their NHL playoff debuts, it’s a group that appears comfortable in the moment, even if there are still details to clean up.
Game 1 followed a familiar playoff pattern. The Oilers capitalized on their chances and responded when momentum shifted, while the Ducks showed they’re capable of making this a competitive series.
What They Said
Oilers forward Jason Dickinson on playing his first playoff game with the Oilers…
“You want to play in these moments because it makes everything worth it. All the bumps, the bruises, the training, the hours away from family doing things your friends aren’t doing because you’re chasing something. It’s great to be a part of it. It’s all about going out there, competing with these guys, and having fun. That’s what it comes down to.”“In my mind, there was no way I wasn’t playing. Whatever I had to do, I was going to be out there. I got a taste of the playoffs years ago, and it’s fun. It’s the best time of year. You fight all season for this.”
Edmonton forward Leon Draisaitl on returning from a late-season injury for the playoffs…
“I felt okay. It’s going to take a couple of games to really be myself and trust it again, but for a start, I thought it was fine.”“[Depth is] everything this time of year. Your top players have to be your top players, but you’re not going anywhere without contributions from everyone. You don’t expect two goals every night from those guys, but you need that kind of effort, and both of them played a heck of a game.”
Oilers Goaltender Connor Ingram on earning his first NHL playoff win…
“It took me four tries, but I’ll take it. It means a lot. It’s been a wild year, and these are small accomplishments along the way. It’s been fun, and it’s exciting to do it here.”
Edmonton head coach Kris Knoblauch on Adam Henrique’s first-period injury…
“He got tied up in front of the net and wasn’t able to return. We’ll find out more tomorrow, but it’s a big hole if we lose Rico. He’s been so good on special teams. We’ll need other guys to step up, but we’ll deal with that when we know more.”
Anaheim head coach Joel Quenneville on what the Ducks need to change moving forward…
“It was a tough loss. We did a lot of things right. There are things we’re happy with, but it’s disappointing. At the same time, it creates a more desperate mindset for us moving forward.”“We’re never out of a game. We’re competitive, and the structure we’ve shown all season is still there.”
Ducks forward Leo Carlsson on lessons from his first NHL playoff game…
“We knew it was going to be hard, but we’re a great team too. We expected a tight series.”“One turnover can change the entire game. We need to clean that up and play more playoff-style hockey.”
Anaheim forward Troy Terry on how the Ducks responded and what comes next…
“It’s hard to swallow, but I’m proud of our group. I’m excited for the rest of the series. I think we proved to ourselves we’re right there.”“It’s tough to start down 2-0, but I thought we settled in. There are a few little things to clean up, but overall, we showed we can compete.”
Up Next
The Oilers host the Ducks for Game 2 on Wednesday before the series shifts to Anaheim for Games 3 and 4 on Friday and Sunday.
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