What does the latest matchup between the Ducks and Oilers reveal about the current state of the Pacific Division? On March 28, 2026, the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Anaheim Ducks 4-2, tightening the race for playoff positioning.
Connor McDavid opened the scoring for the Oilers, netting the first goal of the game at 7:36 of the second period. The Oilers’ Matt Savoie later scored the game-winning goal, while Jack Roslovic added his 20th goal of the season in the third period. For the Ducks, Cutter Gauthier and Beckett Sennecke found the back of the net.
Prior to this game, the Ducks were riding a six-game point streak, with a record of 5-0-1. Despite the loss, they remain fourth in the Western Conference standings with 86 points, while the Oilers sit in fifth place with 81 points, just three points behind.
Lukas Dostal made 30 saves for the Ducks, showcasing his skills in goal, while Connor Ingram recorded 29 saves for the Oilers. McDavid continues to lead the league, boasting an impressive 124 points this season, with 42 goals and 82 assists in 74 games.
After the game, Ducks forward Cutter Gauthier remarked, “We’re first in the Pacific right now, but not by much and those little details and stuff like that can get kind of overlooked and can cost you a game and a playoff series.” This highlights the competitive nature of the division as the playoffs approach.
Oilers’ Matt Savoie expressed confidence in their defensive play, stating, “I feel like we’re pretty comfortable in the defensive zone right now spending time there, allowing them to stay on the outside.” This strategy may prove crucial as the Oilers aim to close the gap on the Ducks.
Lukas Dostal acknowledged McDavid’s talent, saying, “Obviously, he’s a great player,” emphasizing the challenge teams face when competing against the Oilers’ star.
Looking ahead, the Oilers will host the Seattle Kraken next, as they continue to push for a better playoff position. The Ducks will need to regroup quickly to maintain their standing in the division.
As the season progresses, the rivalry between the Ducks and Oilers intensifies, with both teams vying for playoff success. The outcome of this game could have lasting implications as the regular season draws to a close.
