The Ducks and their commendable effort in keeping Connor McDavid off the scoresheet for the first 48 minutes of their matchup against the Oilers was soon overturned by McDavid’s two impressive assists near the midway point of the third period. The Oilers emerged victorious with a 5-3 defeat, in front of a lively standing-room-only crowd of 17,489 at Honda Center. Ducks winger Ryan Strome’s two goals, including the go-ahead tally early in the third, were wiped out by three unanswered goals from Edmonton.
Strome, despite getting on the scoresheet, expressed his frustration at the game’s outcome, emphasizing the team’s hard work and positive aspects, despite the loss. Anaheim never trailed until McDavid’s two crucial assists turned the tide of the game by turning a potential win into a loss. Oilers winger Evander Kane scored his 10th career hat trick, including an empty-netter to seal the game.
The game marked the Ducks’ return to action following a nine-day break, after a modest winning streak. The Oilers missed the opportunity to tie the NHL record of 17 consecutive wins held by the 1992-93 Pittsburgh Penguins, falling 3-1 to the Golden Knights. The Ducks controlled most of the first period and capitalized on a power play late in the period with a goal from Cam Fowler.
Despite the loss, Strome emphasized the team’s positive momentum in the previous games.
