The Ducks’ decisive victory on May 1, 2026, ended the Edmonton Oilers’ hopes for a third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance. In Anaheim, the Ducks triumphed over the Oilers with a score of 5-2 in Game 6 of the NHL playoffs.
The game began with a bang. For the first time in the series, the Ducks scored the opening goal, setting the tone early. By the end of the first period, they had doubled their lead to 3-0, leaving the Oilers scrambling to catch up.
- Ryan Poehling netted his fourth goal of the series for the Ducks.
- Chris Kreider scored his first playoff goal with Anaheim during this crucial match.
- Cutter Gauthier added to their success with a power-play goal, marking their eighth power-play goal in just 16 opportunities during this playoff series.
Lukas Dostal shone in goal for Anaheim, making an impressive 25 saves after being pulled in Game 5. His performance was pivotal in securing this win. In contrast, Connor McDavid struggled throughout Game 6; he was on ice when the Oilers faced numerous shots and chances against them.
This loss is particularly painful for Edmonton. They have reached the Stanley Cup Final for two consecutive years but fell short again. Joel Quenneville improved his record to 20-6 in Game 6s as a head coach, showcasing his ability to lead under pressure.
Mattias Ekholm had a difficult outing, struggling defensively throughout this series. Meanwhile, Beckett Sennecke managed two shots on goal in Game 6, totaling 17 shots across the series—efforts that ultimately went unrewarded.
The Ducks now await their next opponent: they will face off against the winner of the Utah Mammoth-Vegas Golden Knights series, which Vegas currently leads 3-2. This victory marks a significant achievement for Anaheim, as it is their first playoff series win since 2017.