The Edmonton Oilers secured one of their biggest wins of this season during Game 5 against the Anaheim Ducks. Walking into the game, the Oilers were in a massive hole in the series by being down 3-1, making their every game an eliminator.
Despite the pressure, Edmonton managed to secure a 4-1 win in Game 5, thanks to two goals from Leon Draisaitl. With the Oilers back in form, the next game has sparked a ton of buzz among fans. Game 6 between Edmonton and the Ducks is all set to begin at 10 p.m. EST on Thursday at Honda Center.
For fans who are looking to watch the game at home, here are the channels they can tune in to:
For Fans in USA:
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TV channels: ESPN, TNT, and TruTV
- Live streams: DIRECTV, fubo, and the ESPN app
For Fans Canada:
- Sportsnet and Sportsnet+
Game 5 was critical for the Oilers, and their captain, Connor McDavid, was uncertain to participate. According to reports, McDavid experienced physical wear and tear or a small lower-body injury during Game 4, which could have prevented him from playing in the fifth game.
The forward even missed the morning skate the day of the game, but was labeled as a game-time decision. But McDavid suited up and played the game, recording two assists in the 4-1 victory.
The Oilers played a tight game to win, and they will need to do the same in Game 6. The Ducks, on the other hand, have home-ice advantage and, despite their recent setback, one win can secure their place in the next playoff round.
Oilers HC Kris Knoblauch Discloses the Change of Plans in Game 5
Following the big victory, HC Kris Knoblauch attended a press conference, where he said that the team relied solely on its forward line. Knoblauch remarked that Vasily Podkolzin is capable of elevating any line. So the Oilers chose to pair Podkolzin with Leon Draisaitl, and the two elite players helped their team win the game.
According to CTV News, Knoblauch said:
“Whatever line Podkolzin is on, he usually elevates it. Going into an elimination game where we had to change our fate, ultimately, we felt that we’re going to put the game in our two best players’ hands and let them dictate how this game is going to go. Absolutely, take a little bit of pressure off him, having Leon have the puck a little bit more, rather than Connor always having to generate (offence) himself with the puck.”
The HC also praised goaltender Connor Ingram, noting he was able to perform admirably and made saves to assist the squad in making the series even tighter.
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