Full Breakdown
Ducks Win Overtime Thriller to Take 3-1 Lead Over Oilers
4/27/2026, 11:26:21 AM
Overtime Thriller Gives Ducks 3-1 Series Lead
Anaheim’s Ryan Poehling scored 2:29 into overtime to seal a 4-3 win over Edmonton in Game 4 of the first-round playoffs. After a lengthy video review confirmed the puck had fully crossed the line beneath Tristan Jarry’s skate, the Ducks completed a comeback from an early 2-0 deficit, tying the game twice (Jeffrey Viel at 6:29 left in regulation and Cutter Gauthier’s second-period power-play goal). Lukas Dostal stopped 24 shots, including a crucial pad save on Connor McDavid with 4:54 remaining. Jarry, making his first playoff start, turned aside 34 attempts. The victory gives Anaheim a 3-1 series edge and its third straight win over the back-to-back Western Conference champion Oilers.
Series Context and Stakes
The matchup pits the Ducks, appearing in their first playoff series in eight years, against the Oilers, who entered as the defending Western Conference champions and have won nine playoff series in the past four seasons. With the series now 3-1, Game 5 in Edmonton becomes a potential clincher for Anaheim and a must-win for Edmonton to avoid a decisive Game 6.
Key Players and Coaches
- Anaheim: Ryan Poehling (OT winner), Jackson LaCombe (post-season scoring leader with eight points), Cutter Gauthier (two power-play goals), Mikael Granlund (power-play contributor), Jeffrey Viel (second-career playoff goal), Lukas Dostal (goaltender).
- Edmonton: Coach Kris Knoblauch, Connor McDavid (two assists), Evan Bouchard (early third-period goal), Kasperi Kapanen and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (first-period goals), Tristan Jarry (starter in Game 4), Connor Ingram (starter in Games 1-3), Jason Dickinson (returning forward).
Game Statistics and Notable Performances
- Ducks: 20 goals in four games, 24 shots on goal, 8-game power-play streak, six penalties killed, two-goal comeback record (10th of the season).
- Oilers: 34 saves by Jarry, 24 shots faced by Dostal, McDavid’s two assists, Bouchard’s third-period goal, Kapanen’s 38-second opening-faceoff goal, Nugent-Hopkins’ power-play marker.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Knoblauch emphasized the need for two reliable goaltenders, stating, “We knew in the playoffs we were going to need two goalies… Nothing against Ingram. I think he’s been solid, but we need our team to play better and need a few more saves.” He later added, “Very rarely in today’s NHL does one goalie play every game in the playoffs. We have two good goalies.” Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe noted the team’s cohesion: “We’re just playing so connected right now, and we’re doing a good job of doing the right things.” Forward Jason Dickinson, cleared to return, said, “I hope so. Today went really well. This has been a day-to-day thing I’m really trying to manage.”
Criticism & Opposition
Media analysts highlighted the risk of starting Jarry, describing the move as “scary” given his limited playoff experience and the Oilers’ defensive lapses. Some commentators argued that Ingram, despite a 4.70 GAA, had been the more reliable option, and that the goaltending shuffle added pressure on Knoblauch’s job security.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I thought I saw some white (between the puck and the goal line) when I was behind the net,” — Ryan Poehling, Ducks forward.
- “We're just playing so connected right now, and we're doing a good job of doing the right things,” — Jackson LaCombe, Ducks defenseman.
- “Very rarely in today’s NHL does one goalie play every game in the playoffs. We got two good goalies. We feel confident that both can play,” — Kris Knoblauch, Oilers head coach.
- “I hope so. Today went really well. This has been a day-to-day thing I’m really trying to manage. If I wake up and feel great, then I’m definitely going to be playing,” — Jason Dickinson, Oilers forward.
- “If you want to win in this league, if you want to win in the playoffs, (your compete level) has to be high every single night,” — Mikael Granlund, Ducks forward.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Pre-game coverage (Sportsnet, OilersNation) reported that Edmonton “hadn’t decided” on a starter for Game 4, while official NHL communications later confirmed Jarry would start. Additionally, Dickinson’s injury status prior to Game 4 remains unspecified beyond his own remarks.
What’s Next
Game 5 is set for Tuesday night in Edmonton. The Oilers trail 3-1 and must win to stay alive, while the Ducks aim to close the series on the road.
