Kapanen's Clutch Two-Goal Night Saves Oilers After Blowing 2-0 Lead Against Ducks

The Edmonton Oilers looked like they had Game 1 locked down early. Then everything fell apart in the second period. But just when it looked like they'd squandered a golden opportunity, Kasperi Kapanen netted his second goal of the night with 1:54 remaining in the third, lifting the Oilers to a 4-3 comeback victory over the visiting Anaheim Ducks on Monday night. Welcome to the playoffs.

The Perfect Start That Fell Apart

Edmonton came out flying. Jason Dickinson scored on a rebound at 17:21 of the first period to make it 1-0, then Kapanen added a second goal just over a minute later at 18:21 to push the lead to 2-0. The Oilers were dominant early, outshooting Anaheim 14-4 through the first frame. Connor Ingram was sharp between the pipes, and everything was clicking.

Then came the second period disaster. Troy Terry got the Ducks on the board just 19 seconds in, and suddenly Edmonton's two-goal cushion didn't feel so comfortable. Leo Carlsson tied it 2-2 just over four minutes later, and then Terry struck again on the power play to give Anaheim a shocking 3-2 lead at 14:29 of the middle period. The Oilers had completely lost control.

Dickinson and Kapanen Refuse to Let It Slip Away

Jason Dickinson responded when it mattered most, scoring on a rebound at 11:30 of the third to knot things up at 3-3 after a Radko Gudas miscue. Then Kapanen, who had been dangerous all night, buried the go-ahead goal off a feed from behind the net by Vasily Podkolzin with less than two minutes to play. Ingram made 24 saves total, holding strong when the Ducks came hard in the second.

For Anaheim, it was their first playoff game in eight years. Troy Terry finished with two goals and an assist, and Lukas Dostal made 30 saves in a losing effort. Leon Draisaitl, returning after missing the final 14 regular season games with a lower-body injury, had two assists and reminded everyone why he matters.

Game 2 is Wednesday in Edmonton. The Ducks showed they can hang with the Oilers, but Edmonton proved they can find a way to win when it counts most.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.