Adjustments the Ducks Will Look to Counter to Avoid Game 7

With their opponents on the ropes, the Anaheim Ducks traveled to Alberta to take on the Edmonton Oilers for Game 5 of their series on Tuesday, with the Ducks up in the series 3-1. Anaheim had a chance to register the franchise’s first series win since they defeated the Oilers in the second round of the 2017 playoffs. With their backs against the wall, the Oilers roster, led by head coach Kris Knoblauch, pulled out all the stops, got out to a big 3-0 early lead, traded power play goals with the Ducks, locked down their end of the ice, and coasted to a victory in the final 30 minutes of a pivotal Game 5.

Takeaways from the Ducks 4-1 Loss to the Oilers in Game 5, Ducks Lead Series 3-2 The Anaheim Ducks Approach to Having the Edmonton Oilers on the Brink of Elimination Edmonton sprinted out of the gates in Game 5, dominating possession time and shot totals. However, the Ducks could be held accountable for costly mental lapses, as has been typical of their team this season, on all three of the Oilers’ first-period tallies. Knoblauch made some key adjustments to his lineup and playing style in Game 5, aiming to shift the series' momentum back in the Oilers’ favor.

If Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville is unable to counter these adjustments in Game 6, the Ducks will be forced to head back to Edmonton to face an experienced, lethal team in a hostile environment for a Game 7. Perry Nelson-Imagn Images Lineup Despite the reported Oilers lineup for Game 5 indicating a nearly identical forward group to the first four games of the series, Knoblauch started superstar centers Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl together, on the same line alongside Kasperi Kapanen. Placing McDavid and Draisaitl on the same line has been a proven go-to adjustment for whoever stands behind the Oilers’ bench when the team needs a boost in the regular season or playoffs alike.

It was expected that Knoblauch would turn to this option at some point if he felt desperate. Though he had the benefit of last change, as Edmonton was the home team for Game 5, he opted not to match his top line against any particular Anaheim line or pair, and instead rolled four forward lines and three defensive pairs. He also adjusted every pair along his blueline for this crucial Game 5 matchup.