Path to Another Deep Oilers Playoff Run Opened Up with Ducks Draw

Given the way the playoff system works, it seems unfair that a 93-point Edmonton Oilers team — one that didn’t earn enough points to even make the Eastern Conference wild card — would be rewarded with a matchup against an Anaheim Ducks club that isn’t considered a Stanley Cup favorite, but that’s the way the cards fell, and the Oilers may have benefited.

The bracket is set, and for the Oilers, the path to another deep playoff run may have opened with a highly favorable first-round opponent.

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On paper, Anaheim presents a matchup that checks several key boxes Edmonton can exploit. The Ducks struggled defensively down the stretch, and the only playoff team with a worse penalty kill this season was Ottawa’s. This is a massive win for Edmonton, whose power play is tops in the NHL and will only get better with Leon Draisaitl returning. An inexperienced Ducks team against a high-powered Oilers lineup could be the difference-maker in the series.

McDavid and Company Keep Scoring, But Found Their Defensive Game

Led by Connor McDavid, Edmonton’s offense is built to punish teams that can’t defend cleanly or stay disciplined. If Anaheim continues to leak chances the way they did late in the season, this series could tilt heavily in Edmonton’s favor early. Some analysts wonder if it will be among the shorter first-round matchups.

Look for McDavid to produce at an elite clip, given that most teams can’t stop him, and the Ducks were fourth-worst in the NHL in goals against.

The timing also works in Edmonton’s favor. They’ve started to get into a rhythm, while the Ducks have struggled. The Oilers paced themselves early in 2025-26, then found a second gear after the Olympic break, and when they crept closer to the playoff mix. The leaders turned up the volume, and the depth followed suit. The trade deadline acquisitions clicked, and this Oilers team feels like a club that can win games in multiple ways. So too, their goaltender, Connor Ingram, has changed the narrative in net.

If Draisaitl returns to the lineup, it would only deepen an already dangerous attack. Combined with contributions from players like Evan Bouchard, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and a now-healthy Zach Hyman, the Oilers have the firepower to overwhelm a young Anaheim group.

Could the Ducks Surprise the Oilers?

That said, the Ducks could be dangerous. In many ways, they feel like the younger 2017 Oilers and are playing with house money. They’re in, and once in, could make some noise. They have a solid offense and a better goaltender in Lukas Dostal. Their roster features a wave of youthful talent and their inexperience could make them unpredictable. Players like Jackson LaCombe will be leaned on heavily, while Cutter Gauthier and Bennett Senecke could be pleasant surprises once the playoffs begin.

Still, the numbers down the stretch paint a concerning picture. Anaheim struggled to build momentum, posting a losing record in crucial late-season games. There are questions about their readiness for playoff hockey — particularly against a battle-tested team like Edmonton.

It’s key to remember that the Oilers have developed a reputation for elevating their game when it matters most. Their turbulent regular season might have been a smoke show, hiding the real effort the team is capable of putting forth. By now, the Oilers know that October and November don’t mean much as long as they stay in the mix, which they did. They’ve consistently found another level in the playoffs. There’s no reason to think they won’t do so again.

Beyond the Ducks, Oilers Look OK

They won’t look too far ahead, but what’s interesting here is that, if they get past the Ducks, the potential matchups with teams like the Vegas Golden Knights or Los Angeles Kings mean the Oilers may quickly become favorites. If they get to the Western Conference Final, it’s likely the Colorado Avalanche awaits. That’s a challenge. Still, getting there looks plausible.

But for now, Edmonton appears to have exactly what it needs: a manageable first-round opponent to build confidence and momentum. If the Oilers take care of business against Anaheim, they could once again position themselves for a deep run in the Western Conference.

Next: Evan Bouchard Joins Elite Company, Strengthens Case for Norris Trophy Recognition