How the Anaheim Ducks can close out their series against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6

Well, Game 5 was a burn the tape kind of performance, as the Ducks convincingly lost to the Oilers by a final score of 4-1. As been the case so often this season, the Ducks fell behind early but in Edmonton, they had no magical comeback. With a return to Anaheim tonight though, the Ducks have the opportunity to not only knock out the back-to-back Stanley Cup finalists, but to clinch their first series victory in nearly nine years. Here's how the Ducks can move on to the second round.

Better goaltending

Lukas Dostal was pulled from Game 5 after allowing three goals on just nine shots in the first period, for a measly .667 save percentage. While Ville Husso did an admirable job in relief and helped stabilize the Ducks, one goal on 11 shots for a .909 save percentage, Dostal has to step up. Tabbed as the Ducks' franchise netminder and was the nominal starter for Czechia in the Winter Olympics, Dostal has not lived up to his pedigree this postseason. Out of all the goalies in the 2026 playoffs, Dostal is second to last in save percentage (.864) and last in goals against (4.32). Dostal can make game-saving stops, as he did in Game 4. He doesn't have to stop everything, though that would be a great change of pace, but Dostal can't have another repeat of his lackluster Game 5 performance.

No more easy chances

While Dostal definitely needs to make a few more saves, the Ducks defense has been just as culpable for the team's shortcomings. Game 5 was a masterclass in how not to defend, as two of the Oilers goals were of the high-danger variety. In our first example, Zach Hyman slipped behind both Tyson Hinds and Drew Helleson for the redirect, after Dostal failed to clear the puck out of the zone.

Not even two minutes later, Leon Draisaitl parked himself in front of the Ducks net without any awareness from either Jacob Trouba, Jackson LaCombe, or Leo Carlsson. Dostal was left alone and Draisaitl buried the attempt, spelling the end of Dostal's night.

Make no mistake, the Oilers are going to get their chances, as they have too much high-end skill to be completely shut down. But easy scoring chances, like those from Game 5, cannot continuously happen again. If the Ducks can minimize the catastrophic defensive breakdowns, like earlier in the series, they stand a chance of coming out of Game 6 with a victory.

Powerplay keeps up torrid pace

Despite the loss in Game 5, the Ducks powerplay continued to hum along at a surprisingly good clip, providing the team with its only goal of the contest.

A far cry from their regular season performance, the Ducks postseason powerplay has been absolutely lethal, with a 50 percent conversion rate on 14 opportunities, putting them at the top of the list of all other 2026 playoff teams. The next closest are the Dallas Stars (39.1) and the aforementioned Oilers (28.6). The Ducks powerplay has been a great equalizer, has allowed the team to get timely goals when necessary, and will probably be leaned on in Game 6 to provide that extra goal that can put the Ducks over the top.

Make a lineup change

Enough with the Ian Moore experiment at forward. While he has been skating on the fourth line, Moore would be better suited to supplant Helleson on the third defense pair. Or even Olen Zellweger could slide into Helleson's spot, as the more offensive focused defenseman could at least provide the Ducks with an extra wrinkle on the back end.

Frank Vatrano has not seen the ice yet, and while his season has been quite abysmal from a production standpoint, he would at least provide an offensive pop for the fourth line. Even Ross Johnston would provide a different look in that spot and has a penchant for occasionally making a positive impact. Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville is not keen on making up lineup changes, but after such a brutal loss, a shakeup is needed.

Final thoughts

Not to be hyperbolic, but Game 6 might be one of the most important games in recent Ducks history. Both teams and fan bases know the stakes and what is on the line. The Oilers may have the experience but are hobbled and vulnerable. It's not do or die yet, but the Ducks have to capitalize at home or risk traveling back to Edmonton where anything could happen. See you on the other side. Let's Go Ducks!

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