The Anaheim Ducks wrapped up their opening three-game series of the 2026-27 season, facing off against Stanley Cup contenders with a rematch against the Edmonton Oilers at Honda Center on Wednesday night. This game followed wins against the Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers, showcasing their early-season momentum.
Edmonton, with an energetic start to their season—holding a 2-0-1 record and scoring 18 goals in three games—quickly proved to be a challenge for the Ducks. The Oilers’ fast-paced style was evident as they netted five unanswered goals in the second period to come back from an early 2-0 deficit and eventually secured the victory.
Newly drafted rookie Nikita Klepov (15th overall in 2026) made his NHL debut, slotting into the third line alongside Ryan Poehling and Nikita Nesterenko. The Ducks’ lineup remained consistent through the first three games under coach Joel Quenneville, with only Klepov’s addition as a new face. The team started with Greer, Carlsson, Gauthier, Killorn, Granlund, Sennecke, along with the third line of Nesterenko, Poehling, and Klepov, and others filling out the rest of the roster.
Lukas Dostal started in goal but struggled, being pulled after two periods after allowing five goals on 17 shots. Ville Husso played the third frame and stopped the only two shots he faced. For Edmonton, Devon Levi made 28 saves out of 30 shots faced. The game opened strongly for Anaheim, taking a 2-0 lead, but Edmonton’s offense intensified in the second, taking control with five straight goals and managing the game with strategic defensive plays in the third to maintain their lead.
Defensively, the Ducks’ inexperienced blue line showed signs of improvement in areas like rebounding and stick battles but still struggled with handling first passes out of zone and quick transitions. Their decision-making and communication were reflected in the number of goals conceded during transition plays, often due to rimmed pucks and breakdowns in exiting the defensive zone.
Offensively, Anaheim’s power play has been exceptional so far, spearheading their early scoring. Their breakout passes and zone entries are creative and precise, leading to scoring chances and increased puck recoveries around the net, capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes.
Regarding goaltending, Lukas Dostal’s performance was mixed; he faced a variety of shots, some heavily screened or deflected, and only one goal—an unchallenged shot straight from distance—was clearly his fault. The Ducks now prepare for a brief road trip, starting with a game against the Winnipeg Jets on Friday.
In summary, the Ducks’ recent wins and rookie debut highlight their potential this season, but their defensive consistency and goaltending remain areas to watch. The team’s ability to turn these early-season lessons into sustained success could be pivotal for their trajectory.
Fan Take: This game illustrates how the Ducks are a team on the rise with promising young talent like Klepov, but their defensive stability will determine if they can truly contend in a brutal NHL landscape. For hockey fans, watching their growth could signal the start of a new competitive era for Anaheim—and adds excitement for the upcoming season.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
