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Draisaitl’s two goals help Oilers force Game 6 with 4-1 win over Ducks: Recap, Reaction and Highlights
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Photo credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Ryley Delaney
Apr 29, 2026, 01:15 EDTUpdated: Apr 29, 2026, 01:54 EDT
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The Edmonton Oilers‘ season isn’t done just yet.
With their backs up against the wall, the Oilers hosted the Anaheim Ducks for Game 5 of their first-round series, down 3-1. Thankfully, more Oilers hockey will be played this season, as they won 4-1 to force Game 6. Let’s take a look at what went on in this one.
For the fifth time in the series, the Oilers opened the scoring. Game 4 saw them score less than a minute into the game, and Tuesday’s game was another early goal. Just over two minutes into the first, Evan Bouchard made a terrific pass from the point to a cutting Vasily Podkolzin. The Russian winger ripped it from the slot past Lukáš Dostál for his second goal of the series.
Midway through the first period, the Oilers took their third 2-0 lead of the series. Dostál attempted to clear the puck out of the zone, but Ryan Nugent-Hopkins intercepted it and threw the puck towards the net. Zach Hyman deflected it past the Ducks’ netminder for his second of the series.
Less than two minutes later, the Oilers made it to uncharted territory, taking their first three-goal lead of the series.
On the cycle, Leon Draisaitl dropped it back to Connor McDavid, who attempted to one-two it to Draisaitl. Instead, the puck found its way back to the point where Bouchard corralled it. The defenceman fired it on net, and Draisaitl deflected it past Dostál to chase him from the game. It also happened to be Draisaitl’s second of the series.
Throughout the series, the Ducks have owned the second period. Colton Dach took a bad penalty eight minutes into the second. The struggling Oilers’ power play allowed another goal, as Alex Killorn received a pass from Mason McTavish while right in front of the net. Connor Ingram had no chance.
Thankfully, the Oilers’ power play has started to wake up over the past two games and got another one in Game 5. The Oilers restored their three-goal lead thanks to a power play goal of their own three minutes later. Bouchard had a terrific keep at the blue line and was able to shield the puck away from the penalty killer. That gave McDavid enough time to get back into the zone with speed. He was able to find Draisaitl in his office for the power play goal.

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Takeaways…

Tuesday’s game was the best the Oilers have looked all series. While they were outshot for the third consecutive game, the Oilers held on to the lead and defended rather well. With no room for error, this is the exact type of way they need to play when they return to Anaheim for Game 6.
That said, the Oilers’ penalty kill is still a concern. They allowed their seventh power play goal against of the series and have killed off just half the penalties they’ve taken so far. Colton Dach’s interference penalty was a bad one. At least the Oilers’ power play is starting to wake up, scoring three goals in their last seven power plays.
Game 5 happened to be Evan Bouchard’s best game of the series so far. The right-shot defenceman picked up three assists in 27:30 of ice time. Not only did he lead the Oilers in ice time, but he also led the team in points.
Connor McDavid’s best period coming into this game was Game 4’s third period. The Oilers’ captain was a game-time decision but looked solid in Tuesday’s game, picking up two assists. Leon Draisaitl has quietly put together a terrific postseason, scoring three goals and nine points in five games.
Like most, I was pretty concerned about Jake Walman after his regular season. That concern has disappeared because he’s been terrific in the postseason through five games. He played just over 16 minutes and was in the centre of a few scrums after whistles.
Of the eight first-round series, this one has been the least chippiest. That wasn’t quite the case tonight, as the two teams came together for a handful of scrums. The most notable of which came toward the end of the second period after Leon Draisaitl was clearly boarded, but there was no call made.
Tristan Jarry had a solid performance in Game 4, barely finishing with a save performance below .900. Eyebrows were raised when Connor Ingram was named as the Game 5 starter, but he stopped 29 of 30 shots for a .967 save percentage.
As fun as Tuesday’s Game 5 was, the job is far from over. Game 6 returns to California, with Anaheim hosting that game on Thursday at 8:00 PM ET. The Oilers played their most complete game of the postseason on Tuesday, and they need to do the same next time. Drag it back to Alberta.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Oilersnation, FlamesNation, and Blue Jays Nation. Follow her on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.

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