Anaheim Ducks beat Edmonton Oilers 4-3 in overtime to take 3-1 series lead

The Goal That Had to Be Reviewed Twice

The Honda Center crowd reacted strongly in quick succession. First, when Ryan Poehling’s shot slipped under Tristan Jarry’s skate. Then, when the on-ice officials signaled a goal. Finally, when the video review confirmed the call. The puck had barely crossed the line, but the decision stood. Poehling’s overtime winner at 2:28 of the extra period gave the Ducks a 3-1 series lead and highlighted their ability to capitalize on narrow advantages.

The review process underscored the game’s tension. Edmonton had controlled early play, scored on the power play, and held a late lead. Anaheim, however, remained patient and composed under scrutiny. Off-ice officials in Toronto spent several minutes examining the replay before upholding the goal, extending the suspense. For a team that had not advanced past the first round in recent years, the win marked a significant step forward.

Jarry, Edmonton’s starter after Connor Ingram’s struggles in earlier games, stopped 34 of 38 shots. The goals he allowed—Poehling’s overtime winner and Jeffrey Viel’s rebound with 6:29 left in regulation—proved decisive. Edmonton’s decision to start Jarry over Ingram was intended to stabilize their playoff push, but the timing of Jarry’s lapses left the Oilers vulnerable.

Depth Over Stars: How Anaheim’s Role Players Contributed Against Edmonton’s Core

The Oilers entered the series as favorites, with a roster built around playoff-tested talent. In Game 4, however, Anaheim’s supporting players played a key role. Viel, a forward in his first NHL playoff series, scored the tying goal late in the third period—a rebound off a shot from the point, a play that rewarded persistence. Cutter Gauthier and Mikael Granlund, neither of whom are among the league’s highest-profile stars, combined for two power-play goals in the second period to erase a 2-0 deficit.

Edmonton’s power play, a strength during the regular season, had been less effective in the series. The Oilers generated chances at a rate similar to their season average, but their shot volume had declined. Anaheim’s defense, anchored by Lukas Dostal’s 24 saves, limited opportunities for Edmonton’s top players, including Connor McDavid. Late in regulation, Dostal made two critical stops on McDavid rushes, including a desperation save with his right skate as the Oilers’ captain drove toward the net. The rebound fell to Matt Savoie, but Dostal smothered it, preserving the tie.

The difference in the game was not just Edmonton’s stars, but Anaheim’s ability to generate offense from unexpected sources. While Edmonton’s top unit managed only one goal—Evan Bouchard’s power-play wrist shot early in the third—the Ducks received contributions from 13 players experiencing their first playoff series. Those efforts, though less visible than highlight-reel plays, provided the margin in a closely contested game.

The Goaltending Gamble That Backfired

Edmonton’s coaching staff opted to start Jarry over Ingram in Game 4, a decision aimed at stabilizing a team that had lost two of the first three games. The move carried inherent risk, as playoff goaltending often demands a different level of performance. The Ducks tested Jarry early and often, directing 38 shots his way. He stopped 34, but the four goals he allowed came at critical moments.

Ingram, who had struggled in Games 1 and 2, was not given an opportunity to rebound. Playoff teams rarely have the luxury of waiting for a goaltender to regain form, especially in high-stakes situations. Edmonton’s goaltending now appears uncertain. If Jarry falters again in Game 5, the Oilers’ season could be at risk before they have a chance to adjust.

Anaheim, meanwhile, has found stability in Dostal. The 23-year-old goaltender did more than make saves; he made the ones that mattered most. His glove stop on McDavid late in regulation was a standout moment, a play that kept the Ducks in the game. Dostal’s performance was not flawless—he allowed three goals on 27 shots—but his timing was precise. In a game where every save felt consequential, he delivered when it counted.

What to Watch in Game 5: Can the Ducks Close the Deal?

The Oilers find themselves in a difficult position, but the series is not yet over. Teams trailing 3-1 in a best-of-seven series have mounted comebacks before, though such outcomes are uncommon. The Ducks, however, are focused on the immediate challenge: Game 5 in Edmonton, where they will have the opportunity to eliminate the two-time defending Western Conference champions.

The key for Anaheim will be sustaining the momentum they have built over the last three games. They have scored at least three goals in each contest, a reflection of their offensive depth. If they can maintain that production, they will force Edmonton to outscore them—a difficult task for a team that has struggled to generate consistent offense outside its top line.

For the Oilers, the path forward is narrow. They will need to simplify their game, reduce turnovers, and improve their power-play efficiency. McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will have to elevate their play in ways they have not yet in this series. Additionally, Jarry—or whoever starts in net—will need to perform better than in Game 4. Failure to do so could result in a first-round exit, a disappointing end to a season that began with Stanley Cup expectations.

The Ducks will not have the advantage of a home crowd in Game 5, but the memory of their recent success may provide motivation. Anaheim has already exceeded expectations by outplaying and outlasting a team built to contend. Now, they must finish the job.