Connor McDavid says Oilers ‘ready’ for Ducks challenge in NHL playoffs
The Edmonton Oilers enter the 2026 NHL playoffs with belief and experience, as captain Connor McDavid stressed that his group is ready ahead of Game 1 against the Anaheim Ducks . The game is scheduled on Monday, April 20, at Rogers Place in Edmonton, with home ice advantage for the group. Speaking on Sunday, McDavid said the group feels no different from past playoff squads.
He pointed to confidence built over multiple deep runs, while still respecting the challenge ahead. “To be honest, I felt good about each and every group we go in [playoffs] with,” McDavid said about his current group in comparison to the past. “Honestly, this group is no different.
Really feels like it’s anybody’s year. “But with that being said, we got a big challenge in front of us. We got a really good young, skilled, exciting Ducks team coming in that we got to play hard, we got to be ready for, and we will be.
” MORE: NHL legend Wayne Gretzky explains why Connor McDavid deserves Hart Trophy Experience remains the advantage for Edmonton. The team has reached back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals in 2024 and 2025 but fell short both times. McDavid believes those runs shaped the group’s mindset entering another postseason.
He said knowing what to expect helps players handle big moments better. “I would say just knowing what to expect,” McDavid said about heading into the playoffs as a 29-year-old. “Knowing what it’s going to feel like, the environment, the game, the pressures, the momentum swings.