The Anaheim Ducks are heading into a challenging series against the Edmonton Oilers, a matchup the Ducks have been anticipating. After four games, the Ducks hold a 3-1 series lead, outscoring the Oilers 20-15, with a dominant 17-11 advantage in the last two contests.
Entering this series, many predicted a high-scoring affair, given both teams’ offensive styles. It’s no secret that the Edmonton Oilers have faced defensive struggles throughout the season, which has consequently impacted their overall game, including their goaltending. This raises the question of how the potential Tristan Jarry-Stuart Skinner trade is faring.
While Jarry didn’t start the series, there’s a possibility he could see ice time in Game 4 due to Connor Ingram’s difficulties. With Calvin Pickard also available, the Oilers might consider alternative goaltending options. However, unlike their matchups against the Los Angeles Kings in previous years, the Anaheim Ducks possess the offensive firepower to effectively counter the Oilers.
As Jim Biringer of NHLRumors.com and Full Press Media previously discussed with TSN Radio in Montreal, the Oilers and Ducks are poised for a fast-paced, high-scoring game, which tends to favor a young, dynamic team like the Ducks over a more experienced squad like the Oilers.
Biringer elaborated, “This could be a high-scoring series, right? It should be. I mean, Lukas Dostal to me is the X-factor for the Anaheim Ducks. If he is going to stand on his head and be like the guy he was for Czechia and what we’ve seen in the past for Anaheim, then the Edmonton Oilers are going to struggle again.”
He continued, “Connor McDavid is on a different level. Probably won the Hart Trophy, probably the last couple of weeks of the season without Leon Draisaitl. Zach Hyman’s back, right? Like Draisaitl is starting to skate, like, if he’s in the lineup, this is a big boost for this team (Draisaitl returned in Game 1 and leads the Oilers in points with 6). But again, Anaheim’s got to stay out of the penalty box. The Oilers power play is just too good. But again, they have the weapons, the skill, and the speed. Cutter Gauthier has 40 goals. Leo Carlsson’s there. Let’s see if Mason McTavish can pick up his game. On the back end, (Jacob) Trouba and (Radko) Gudas know what they can do in the playoffs. Trouba, we know, can make game-changing hits. We know Gudas can do the same thing.”
Biringer highlighted the uncertainties surrounding the Oilers’ defense and goaltending: “What is this Edmonton Oilers team? Are they a good defensive team? What defensive team is going to show up? What goalie is going to show up? How are they going to play? Too many question marks on Edmonton right now, because if they want to make a high-scoring series, Anaheim can trade blows with them, and they have the goaltending to just stop one of those pups from going in and steal a game or two from Edmonton.”
The Oilers must improve their defensive play for their overall game to coalesce. While Anaheim is capitalizing on their power-play opportunities, Edmonton is struggling. Despite Connor McDavid’s recent uptick in points (he was scoreless in Games 1 and 2 and now has four points), he needs to do more, particularly as he appears to be dealing with an injury.
The Anaheim Ducks are demonstrating their ability to overcome defensive lapses with their potent offense. Unfortunately for the Oilers, they lack this capability. This situation bears resemblance to the challenges faced by the Pittsburgh Penguins between 2010 and 2015.
This series could quickly slip away from the Oilers, especially if the Ducks manage to secure a decisive victory in Game 5.
