ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Anaheim Ducks defeated the Edmonton Oilers 7-4 on April 24, 2026, in Game 3 of their NHL playoff series, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven matchup.
Why it matters: This victory marks a turning point for the Ducks, who showcased their young talent and resilience in front of a home crowd for the first time in eight years.
The Ducks scored four goals in the third period, with Beckett Sennecke and Leo Carlsson netting two goals just 42 seconds apart early in the frame.
Mikael Granlund had a standout performance, contributing a goal and three assists to help secure the win.
This win gives Anaheim a 2-1 lead in the series, positioning them favorably as they head into Game 4.
Driving the news: The Ducks came out strong in their first home playoff game since 2018, fueled by a lively crowd at Honda Center.
Connor McDavid opened the scoring for Edmonton, but the Ducks quickly matched and surpassed the Oilers’ efforts.
After a back-and-forth battle, the game was tied 3-3 entering the third period, setting the stage for Anaheim's explosive final frame.
With this win, the Ducks have demonstrated their ability to score under pressure, particularly in high-stakes playoff situations.
State of play: The Ducks capitalized on their scoring opportunities, particularly during the power play.
Granlund’s power-play goal gave Anaheim a 2-1 lead in the first period, marking their fourth power-play goal in the playoffs.
In total, Anaheim converted 1 of 2 power-play opportunities, compared to Edmonton's 1 of 3.
Lukas Dostal made 20 saves, solidifying his position as a key player for the Ducks in this series.
The big picture: The Ducks' young stars are stepping up when it matters most, signaling a bright future for the franchise.
Sennecke, just 20 years old, scored his first playoff goal, demonstrating the depth of talent on the Ducks roster.
Carlsson, the 21-year-old center, continues to impress with his scoring ability and playmaking skills.
The Ducks' success in this game could indicate a shift in momentum as they look to advance in the playoffs.
What they're saying: Players and coaches from both teams shared their insights following the game.
“I think we have a really good team,” Granlund said. “The whole team played really good tonight. But at the same time, we’re in Game 3. We just got to move forward and get ready for Sunday.”
Kasperi Kapanen of the Oilers expressed frustration, stating, “Those two goals that they scored in the third period kind of took a little wind out of our sails.”
Ducks coach Joel Quenneville praised the crowd, saying, “It’s fun seeing the crowd get rewarded with a win. It’s been a long time coming.”
By the numbers: Key statistics highlight the intensity and competitiveness of the game.
The Ducks outshot the Oilers 39 to 24, maintaining pressure throughout the game.
Attendance at Honda Center was 16,735, marking a triumphant return for Ducks fans.
McDavid finished the game with a goal and an assist but struggled defensively, ending the night with a minus-4 rating.
Between the lines: The dynamics of the series are shifting as both teams adapt to the high-pressure playoff environment.
Edmonton's struggles with their power play continued, failing to capitalize on key opportunities early in the series.
The Ducks have proven they can score in bunches, making them a formidable opponent moving forward.
As the series progresses, both teams will need to tighten their defensive strategies to control the pace of the game.
What's next: Game 4 is set for Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 9:30 p.m. ET at Honda Center.
The Ducks aim to build on their momentum, looking for a commanding 3-1 series lead.
Edmonton must regroup quickly to avoid falling into a deep hole in the series.
Fans can catch the action live on ESPN, SN, CBC, and TVAS.