ANAHEIM, California — Cutter Gauthier`s pair of second-period goals and a season-best 47 saves from goalie Lukas Dostal propelled the Anaheim Ducks to a 3-2 win against the Edmonton Oilers on Monday night. The Oilers were playing without key players.
Mason McTavish also contributed a goal for the Ducks, who secured three wins out of four games against Edmonton this season.
The Oilers were missing star players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl due to injuries.
Adam Henrique and Jeff Skinner managed to score for the Oilers, but the team suffered their second consecutive loss in Southern California, despite being close to securing a playoff spot. Olivier Rodrigue, in his debut NHL start, made 18 saves.
Edmonton missed an opportunity to clinch a postseason berth because Calgary won against San Jose. However, the Oilers, who are the reigning Western Conference champions, are still likely headed for a fourth consecutive first-round matchup with Los Angeles. The Kings, despite losing to Seattle, remain four points ahead of Edmonton, who previously lost to Los Angeles 3-0 last Saturday.
Gauthier`s first goal tied the game early in the second period, a one-timer assisted by Leo Carlsson. He scored again five minutes later, driving to the net and scoring with a backhand shot for his third game with multiple goals this season.
Skinner scored with just over three minutes remaining in the game, but Anaheim managed to hold on for the win after Evan Bouchard`s shot hit Dostal`s post in the final moments.
Key Points
Oilers: The absence of McDavid, missing his eighth game, and Draisaitl, missing his second, due to lower-body injuries, significantly impacts the team. These losses give Los Angeles a stronger position for home-ice advantage in the first playoff round but don`t drastically alter the overall playoff picture.
Ducks: Despite a challenging season, there are positive signs for the Ducks. They have a 14-6-1 record in their last 21 home games, and they boast six players who have scored at least 17 goals, a feat last achieved during their Stanley Cup winning season in 2007.
Turning Point
Shortly after successfully killing off another penalty early in the third period, McTavish scored his 21st goal on a breakaway, extending Anaheim`s lead.
Stat to Note
Henrique`s goal marked his second against the Ducks and his first at the Honda Center since Anaheim traded him to Edmonton last season.
Looking Ahead
The Ducks will play at home against the Flames on Wednesday, while the Oilers will host the Blues.
