The Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks head into Friday’s Game 3 with the series tied 1–1 after a high-scoring, momentum-swinging start that’s already delivered two tight, offense-heavy games.
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Edmonton opened the series with a 4–3 win in Game 1, getting a late third-period goal from Kasperi Kapanen to seal it after blowing a two-goal lead earlier in the game. But Game 2 flipped the script in a big way. Anaheim responded with a 6–4 victory, powered by a huge performance from Cutter Gauthier (two goals, one assist) and strong contributions across the lineup. The Ducks capitalized on special teams with two power-play goals and even added a short-handed tally, while Lukas Dostal made 33 saves to hold off Edmonton’s attack.
Now the series shifts to Anaheim for a pivotal Game 3, and the tone has clearly been set: this matchup is wide open. Edmonton still brings elite firepower led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but their 0-for-4 power play in Game 2 exposed a potential weakness. Meanwhile, Anaheim proved it can not only keep up offensively but also dictate the game when its special teams are clicking. With both teams trading blows early, Game 3 becomes a true swing game.
Whoever tightens up defensively and wins the special teams battle could take control of what’s shaping up to be one of the more entertaining series of the first round.
This is a great NHL matchup that you will not want to miss; make sure to tune in and catch all the action.
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