Oilers and Ducks Set for Offensive Showdown in NHL Playoffs

Edmonton's high-powered attack faces off against Anaheim's emerging young core in opening round

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:33pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, breaking down a hockey game between the Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks into sharp, overlapping geometric planes of vibrant colors.The Oilers and Ducks' high-octane offenses collide in a cubist-inspired clash of colors and shapes.Chicago Today

The Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks are set to clash in the opening round of the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs, with the Oilers looking to return to the finals and the Ducks making their first playoff appearance in eight years. The series promises an offensive showcase between two of the league's most high-octane teams, as Edmonton's star-studded lineup led by Connor McDavid takes on Anaheim's emerging young core.

Why it matters

This matchup pits the Oilers, who have gone to back-to-back Stanley Cup finals, against the upstart Ducks, who are making their first playoff appearance since 2018. While Edmonton is the heavy favorite, Anaheim has proven to be a dangerous offensive team this season, creating the potential for a high-scoring, chaotic series between the two clubs.

The details

The Oilers enter the series with a significant edge in goal differential, outscoring opponents by 40 goals more than the Ducks during the regular season. However, Anaheim has generated more quality scoring chances, led by the offensive threats of Leo Carlsson, Troy Terry, and Cutter Gauthier. The Ducks' defensive struggles could prove costly against an Oilers power play that led the league in expected and actual scoring. Meanwhile, Edmonton has shored up its own defensive play since the return of assistant coach Paul Coffey, but questions remain about the team's goaltending.

  • The Oilers and Ducks will face off in the opening round of the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs.
  • The series is set to begin on April 16, 2026.

The players

Connor McDavid

The superstar captain of the Edmonton Oilers, widely considered the best player in the NHL.

Leon Draisaitl

The Oilers' elite scoring forward and McDavid's frequent linemate.

Leo Carlsson

The young cornerstone of the Anaheim Ducks' forward group, showing flashes of franchise player potential.

Troy Terry

The Ducks' veteran scoring winger, who has taken on a larger role with the emergence of Carlsson.

Lukáš Dostál

The Ducks' starting goaltender, who has been a bright spot for the team despite its defensive struggles.

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What they’re saying

“We must be ready to match Edmonton's offensive firepower. Our defensive structure will be crucial in this series.”

— Joel Quenneville, Head Coach, Anaheim Ducks

“This is the kind of matchup we've been waiting for. We're confident in our ability to shut down the Ducks' attack and capitalize on our own scoring chances.”

— Connor McDavid

What’s next

The winner of the Oilers-Ducks series will advance to the second round of the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs.

The takeaway

This first-round clash between the Oilers and Ducks promises to be an offensive showcase, with both teams boasting high-powered attacks. While Edmonton enters as the heavy favorite, Anaheim's emerging young core has the potential to pull off an upset if the Ducks can shore up their defensive lapses. The series will test the Oilers' depth scoring against the Ducks' ability to contain McDavid and Draisaitl.