Faceoff is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET
Venue: Rogers Place, Edmonton, AB
TV: TNT / truTV / HBO Max (also CBC, TVAS, SN, KCOP-13, Victory+)
The Edmonton Oilers are facing elimination in Game 5 of the Western Conference First Round, with the Anaheim Ducks holding a commanding 3-1 series lead. After rallying from an early 2-0 deficit to win Game 4 in overtime (4-3) on Ryan Poehling’s goal just 2:29 into the extra frame, Anaheim has won three straight and is one victory away from its first series win since 2017. Edmonton, despite star power and home-ice advantage at Rogers Place, has struggled with defensive lapses and goaltending inconsistency in the series. The Oilers must force a Game 6 back in Anaheim or see their season end tonight in front of a desperate home crowd.
Edmonton earned the higher seed with strong home performance and elite forward talent. Anaheim, the Pacific’s third-place team, has exceeded expectations with speed, depth scoring, and resilience in its first playoff appearance in eight years.
Recent Team Forms
Oilers (last 10 games, including playoffs): Struggling to close out leads. Edmonton is 1-3 in the series, with high-event games exposing defensive gaps. They lead early in Game 4 (2-0) but allowed Anaheim to climb back twice before falling in OT. Special teams have been inconsistent, and goaltending has been under siege.
Ducks (last 10 games, including playoffs): Red-hot, winning three straight after dropping Game 1. Anaheim is averaging over 5 goals per game in the series (20 total goals in four games), with contributions from throughout the lineup. They have excelled on the power play and in overtime situations while maintaining strong 5-on-5 play.
Injury Report
Edmonton Oilers:
Adam Henrique (C) – Out (lower body; missed since Game 1).
Colton Dach (C) – Out (illness).
Connor McDavid (C) – Playing but limited (ankle injury sustained in Game 2; mobility concerns noted, though he has remained in the lineup).
Other depth forwards (e.g., recent returns for Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, Jason Dickinson) appear available.
Anaheim Ducks:
Radko Gudas (D) – Out (day-to-day, lower body).
Ross Johnston (LW) – Out (day-to-day, lower body).
Jansen Harkins (C) – Out (day-to-day).
Roster otherwise healthy, with young stars like Cutter Gauthier and Leo Carlsson fully available.
Edmonton’s depth has been tested, while Anaheim’s injury absences are mostly on the blue line and bottom-six.
Key Player Matchups
Connor McDavid / Leon Draisaitl (EDM) vs. Anaheim’s defense (Jackson LaCombe / others): McDavid remains the focal point despite the ankle issue; LaCombe has been outstanding limiting high-danger chances. Draisaitl’s return has helped, but Edmonton needs both stars to dominate for a comeback.
Cutter Gauthier / Leo Carlsson / Mikael Granlund (ANA) vs. Edmonton’s goaltending: Anaheim’s young core and veteran secondary scorers have powered the offense (multiple multi-goal games). Edmonton’s netminders (likely Stuart Skinner or Tristan Jarry) have allowed 20 goals in four games.
Evan Bouchard (EDM D) vs. Ducks forecheck: Bouchard has been involved offensively but exposed defensively in the series.
Special teams and goaltending: Both clubs have traded power-play goals; Anaheim’s penalty kill and 5-on-5 structure have edged Edmonton lately. Lukas Dostal has been solid for the Ducks.
Additional notes: The series has been high-scoring and physical, with Anaheim capitalizing on turnovers and Edmonton struggling to sustain leads.
Series History
2025-26 Regular Season: Oilers held a 2-1 edge in head-to-head matchups.
2026 Playoffs (Current Series): Ducks lead 3-1.
Game 1 (Apr 20 @ EDM): Oilers 4, Ducks 3
Game 2 (Apr 22 @ EDM): Ducks 6, Oilers 4
Game 3 (Apr 24 @ ANA): Ducks 7, Oilers 4
Game 4 (Apr 26 @ ANA): Ducks 4, Oilers 3 (OT)
nhl.com +1
Anaheim has flipped the script in the postseason with explosive offense after a close regular-season rivalry.
Betting Trends
The total has gone Over in all four series games (and many regular-season meetings). Edmonton is strong at home but 1-3 SU in the series overall. Anaheim is 3-0 SU lately and has covered as underdogs.
Game Odds
Anaheim Ducks 6.5
Edmonton Oilers – 175
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, April 27, 2026
