The Edmonton Oilers opened their playoff run with a tight 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks, but the story carried a twist.
Connor McDavid, the league’s most dominant player – once again this season, finished Game 1 without a point. Anaheim executed a clear plan. They pressed him high, closed passing lanes, and forced the puck off his stick.
McDavid logged 24:50 minutes and managed only three shots. For most teams, that would signal control. For Anaheim, it came at a cost. Edmonton’s depth stepped forward when it mattered most, turning defensive attention on McDavid into scoring space elsewhere.
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Kasperi Kapanen led that response with two goals, including the late winner with 1:54 left. Jason Dickinson matched him with two goals of his own. After surrendering a 2-0 lead and trailing entering the third, the Oilers found another gear for the win.
Speaking to the media after the game, Kapanen addressed the Ducks’ approach. He noted that teams will continue to double McDavid, and others must respond.
“I think it’s super important,” Kapanen said. “I think teams are going to play extra hard on him and double coverage him. Other guys need to step up, and obviously, Connor is going to get his chances and get his looks, and we’re not worried about that. But I think that was just me and Dicky scoring a couple [of] goals tonight.”
Kapanen also praised the defensive work and the goaltending that does not always show in highlights.
“Just very important for this team and other guys stepping up and making big defensive plays that you don’t really see on the highlight reel, but that are just as important,” Kapanen said.
“And obviously, Ingo playing the way he did. It was just a great team effort. Second period wasn’t great from us, but the first and third, if we play like that, I like our chances in this series.”
Connor Ingram made 25 saves and delivered a crucial stop in the final seconds.
Edmonton controlled the first period with two goals, but Anaheim’s quick response in the second exposed gaps.
Troy Terry scored twice and added an assist, while Leo Carlsson also found the net. The Ducks showed resilience and got a 3-2 lead, a trait seen all season in comeback wins. Still, their heavy focus on McDavid opened space late.
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The Oilers scored two third-period goals, including Kapanen’s winner, on which Leon Draisaitl assisted. Draisaitl returned from injury and added two assists, helping stabilize the attack.
Meanwhile, McDavid’s quiet night does not change his season. He led the NHL in the regular season with 138 points and continues to drive play at an elite level.
So, game 1 showed a simple truth, and that is, limiting McDavid alone is not enough.