Overview
- Ducks 5-2 over the Oilers in Thursday’s Game 6 at Honda Center closed the series 4-2 and ended Anaheim’s seven‑year wait for a playoff series win.
- Anaheim seized control early with a 2-0 burst and a 3-1 first‑period lead as Ryan Poehling, Chris Kreider, Cutter Gauthier, Troy Terry and Leo Carlsson found the net.
- Goaltender Lukas Dostal stopped 25 shots in a strong rebound from Game 5, and Gauthier’s first‑period power‑play strike continued a series where the Ducks’ man advantage repeatedly delivered.
- Edmonton’s first opening‑round exit since 2021 followed back‑to‑back Stanley Cup Final trips, and Connor McDavid called this year’s group “an average team,” sharpening criticism of the roster, coaching and unsettled net.
- Anaheim advances to face the winner of Vegas versus Utah, with the Golden Knights leading 3-2 heading into Friday’s Game 6, while Edmonton faces a pivotal offseason with only two guaranteed years left on McDavid’s deal.