Edmonton Oilers’ captain Connor McDavid was absent from the team’s morning skate before the crucial Game 6, as coach Kris Knoblauch indicated that only center Jason Dickinson’s availability was uncertain in Anaheim. The Ducks hold a 3-2 lead in the first-round playoff series, presenting an opportunity to eliminate the Oilers, who have reached the Stanley Cup final in the last two seasons.
McDavid injured his right ankle in Game 2 following a collision with teammate Mattias Ekholm, leading to some discomfort during play. Despite being labeled a game-time decision, McDavid contributed two assists in the previous game, expressing confidence in his ability to compete.
Having excelled in postseason performance over recent years, McDavid bounced back with a goal and five assists after a slow start in the series. Dickinson, who scored twice in the series opener, overcame a lower-body injury to assist in Game 4.
Edmonton faces potential elimination after appearing in the Stanley Cup finals consecutively in the past two seasons, now trailing the Ducks in the current playoff series. The Oilers acknowledge the challenge posed by Anaheim’s strong team and are determined to avoid an early exit.
In Game 5, Edmonton managed to secure a 4-1 victory, countering the Ducks’ usual late-game surges. The Oilers capitalized on their early lead and defensive strategies to outmaneuver Anaheim’s comeback attempts. The team’s top players, McDavid and Draisaitl, played crucial roles in securing the win, showcasing their offensive prowess under the pressure of potential elimination.