Oilers’ hero reveals how Ducks stopped Connor McDavid but paid the price

The Edmonton Oilers opened their playoff run with a tight 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks , but the story carried a twist. Connor McDavid , the league’s most dominant player – once again this season, finished Game 1 without a point. Anaheim executed a clear plan.

They pressed him high, closed passing lanes, and forced the puck off his stick. McDavid logged 24:50 minutes and managed only three shots. For most teams, that would signal control.

For Anaheim, it came at a cost. Edmonton’s depth stepped forward when it mattered most, turning defensive attention on McDavid into scoring space elsewhere. MORE: ESPN shares NHL star rankings with surprising Connor McDavid landing spot Kasperi Kapanen led that response with two goals, including the late winner with 1:54 left.

Jason Dickinson matched him with two goals of his own. After surrendering a 2-0 lead and trailing entering the third, the Oilers found another gear for the win. Speaking to the media after the game, Kapanen addressed the Ducks’ approach.