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The Anaheim Ducks stunned the Edmonton Oilers in dramatic fashion Sunday night, stealing Game 4 in overtime and taking a 3-1 lead in their playoff series. A late, reviewed goal changed the mood at the Honda Center and shifted momentum firmly in Anaheim’s favor.
How the overtime winner came to be
Early in overtime, the Ducks won a crucial faceoff in the Oilers’ zone. The puck moved toward the crease. A pass intended for the backdoor found traffic instead.
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The puck glanced off an Oilers defenseman’s skate and trickled across the goal line. Referees paused play for a video review before ruling the shot a goal. The decision sent the Ducks’ crowd into a frenzy and wrapped up the game at 4-3.
- Game result: Anaheim 4, Edmonton 3 (OT)
- Decisive moment: Deflection off Darnell Nurse leading to an awarded goal after review
- Venue: Honda Center, Anaheim
Ryan Poehling’s impact and rising profile
Ryan Poehling delivered the overtime play that decided the contest. It marked his first playoff overtime goal and his third score of the series.
Poehling, a 2017 first-round pick, has become an unexpected postseason difference-maker for Anaheim. He scored twice in Game 2 and continued to find ways to appear in high-leverage moments.
After the game, Poehling noted the importance of winning draws in sudden-death time and credited a bit of fortune for the final bounce. His composure late in the game helped tilt a tight matchup toward the Ducks.
Coaching moves and lineup notes fueling Anaheim
Coach Joel Quenneville praised his team’s resilience and adaptability. He highlighted the role of different contributors who stepped up across four games.
- Special teams adjustments provided new looks against Edmonton’s top lines.
- Depth scoring has emerged as a decisive factor for Anaheim.
- Goaltending and defensive coverage tightened at key moments.
Quenneville emphasized focus on one game at a time as the Ducks prepare to attempt a series-clinching victory on the road.
Implications for the Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers now face elimination in Game 5 at home. After reaching the Western Conference Final in consecutive seasons, they cannot afford another misstep.
Edmonton will need to regroup quickly. The team has shown offensive firepower this series, but late lapses and tight-game miscues have cost them.
Key questions for Edmonton before Game 5
- Can the Oilers tighten defensive zone coverage and limit deflections?
- Will special teams produce a critical power-play goal?
- How will Edmonton respond to the pressure of potential elimination?
What’s next: schedule and stakes for Game 5
Game 5 is set for Tuesday night at Rogers Place in Edmonton. The Oilers return home with a chance to extend the series and avoid a sweep.
The Ducks will carry momentum and confidence into Alberta. With three opportunities to close the series, Anaheim can approach Game 5 with a simple objective: win one game at a time.
