Kasperi Kapanen delivered the deciding goal with 1:54 left in the third period, and the Edmonton Oilers opened their first-round playoff series with a 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks. The goal capped a frantic finish in Edmonton, where the Oilers erased a deficit and survived a late push from a Ducks team back in the postseason for the first time since 2018.
Leon Draisaitl also returned to the lineup after missing the final 14 regular-season games with a lower-body injury. He did not score, but he contributed two assists in a return that gave Edmonton a major boost as the club continued its chase for a third straight trip to the Stanley Cup Final.
Kapanen steps into the spotlight
Kapanen scored twice in the game, including the winner that broke a 3-3 tie late in regulation. Edmonton needed that final surge after entering the third period trailing 3-2, and Jason Dickinson’s two goals helped keep the Oilers within reach.
The winning play came in a game that swung back and forth throughout the night. Edmonton found another gear late, while Anaheim could not close out its first playoff game since 2018 despite strong stretches and a productive night from Troy Terry.
Draisaitl returns with a steady first step
Draisaitl said afterward that he felt serviceable, though he acknowledged there is still work ahead to get fully comfortable. “I felt OK,” he said, adding that it may take “a couple games” before he feels fully like himself again.
That kind of measured return matters for Edmonton, which has leaned on its top players in deep postseason runs. Draisaitl and Jake Walman each finished with two assists, while the Oilers also had to manage a power play that went 0-for-2.
Oilers get what they needed in goal
Connor Ingram made his first postseason start for Edmonton and stopped 25 shots in the win. He also delivered one of the game’s most important moments with a late save as Anaheim pressed for the equalizer.
Ingram described the atmosphere as memorable from the start, saying, “It’s loud in there,” and adding that he took a moment after the anthem to “smile and take it all in.” His calm finish helped preserve a narrow victory in a game that could have gone either way.
Anaheim shows it can compete
The Ducks were not overwhelmed in their return to the playoffs, even if the result went against them. Terry finished with two goals and an assist, Leo Carlsson added a goal, and Lukas Dostal made 30 saves to keep Anaheim close until the final minutes.
For the Ducks, the opening game showed enough offense and resilience to suggest the series could still be competitive. Game 2 is set for Wednesday night at Rogers Place, where Edmonton will try to build on the win while Anaheim looks to even the series and turn its return to the playoffs into a longer stay.
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