EDMONTON, Alberta – The Edmonton Oilers opened their playoff run with a dramatic comeback victory, defeating the Anaheim Ducks 4–3 in Game 1 of their first-round series on Monday night.
Back-and-Forth Battle
The Oilers came out strong, controlling the first period and jumping out to a 2–0 lead behind goals from Jason Dickinson, who capitalized on early offensive pressure. Edmonton’s fast start set the tone, as they outplayed Anaheim in the opening frame.
But the Ducks responded with resilience in the second period. Anaheim erupted for three unanswered goals, flipping the game to a 3–2 lead. Troy Terry led the charge with two goals, while Leo Carlsson added a goal and an assist, showcasing the young Ducks’ offensive firepower and ability to respond under pressure.
Third-Period Comeback
Trailing entering the final period, Edmonton regrouped and pushed offensively. Dickinson struck again to tie the game at 3–3, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
With just 1:54 remaining in regulation, Kasperi Kapanen delivered the decisive moment. Positioned in the slot, he fired home his second goal of the night to give the Oilers a 4–3 lead, completing the comeback victory.
Key Performances
Kapanen and Dickinson each scored two goals, accounting for all of Edmonton’s offense in the win. Their clutch performances highlighted the Oilers’ depth and ability to deliver in key moments.
In net, Connor Ingram made 25 saves, including several crucial stops late in the game to preserve the lead.
For Anaheim, Terry’s two-goal effort and Carlsson’s multi-point performance stood out, but the Ducks were unable to hold onto their second-period advantage.
What It Means
The win gives Edmonton a 1–0 series lead and reinforces their playoff experience, as they overcame adversity after surrendering a multi-goal lead. Meanwhile, Anaheim showed flashes of promise but will look to tighten up defensively heading into Game 2.
Game 1 delivered exactly what playoff hockey promises—momentum swings, star performances, and a finish that came down to the final minutes.
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