3 takeaways from the Anaheim Ducks loss to the Edmonton Oilers

The Anaheim Ducks lost to the Edmonton Oilers by a final score of 4-2, on Saturday afternoon. In a clash between Pillow Division foes, the Ducks comeback fell woefully short, as their division lead shrunk to three points. Despite Lukas Dostal being an absolute rock in net, the Ducks were anemic on the powerplay, and their last chance heroics were not enough to push them past a playoff hardened team of Connor McDavid and company.

Dostal stood tall, once again

Dostal was absolutely solid in net against the Oilers, posting a .909 save percentage, while stopping 30 of 33 shots. Dostal also posted an expected goals saved above expected of 0.58, while the Ducks mustered no offensive pressure against the Oilers for about two and a half periods of play, and stopped a couple of breakaways to keep the Ducks within striking distance.

Anemic powerplay

The Ducks went 0 for 3 on the powerplay against the Oilers, a disappointing outcome considering their recent success with the extra man advantage. Heading into the game, the Ducks were 6 for 15 on the powerplay, posting a .750 conversion rate, an encouraging sign for a special teams unit that has languished near the bottom of the league all season (22nd). Mikael Granlund in particular, was the main driver of the Ducks recent powerplay success, with four powerplay goals in their last three games. However, when the Ducks needed a boost, especially in the second period trailing by just a goal, the powerplay could not deliver.

A failed comeback

After the Oilers went up 3-0 early in the third period, the Ducks finally decided to get in the game. For all of his recent flaws, Beckett Sennecke finally opened up the scoring for the Ducks with an incredible redirect off of a John Calson point shot.

With a newfound pep in their step, the Ducks kept pushing the Oilers. Cutter Gauthier delivered, converting off of a beautiful behind the back pass, from none other than Jeffrey Viel.

And that's where the comeback magic would end though. The Ducks have made a name for themselves this season, by holding the prestigious(?) title for comeback wins, having not led in 16 games since the Winter Olympic break. However, against a playoff hardened team like the Oilers, especially one led by McDavid, the Ducks could not squeak out another magical win. John Carlson had a few chances with Dostal pulled for the extra attacker, but McDavid and Zach Hyman ended the comeback with an empty net goal.

Final thoughts

In a high stakes game with divisional seeding on the line, the Ducks fell short. With only a few games left against opponents in a playoff position, the Ducks would do well to bank some "easy" points. If there was ever a good time to practice playing with a lead though, the next three weeks would be an optimal opportunity to try.