The Edmonton Oilers face growing pressure after a 7-4 Game 3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks, falling behind 2-1 in the first round NHL playoff series. The Ducks, back in the playoffs after seven seasons, have scored 16 goals in three games. That surge has exposed gaps in Edmonton’s structure despite their recent runs to the Stanley Cup Final in 2024 and 2025.Speaking on Sportsnet, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman pointed to a key shift in belief.
He said the Ducks now feel they can beat Edmonton, which changes the dynamic of the series. MORE: Connor McDavid urged to ‘breathe’ as struggles continue vs Ducks“When you’re going in for the first time, you hope you can win,” Friedman said about the Ducks’ belief in facing the Oilers. “Now I think we’ve crossed into the threshold where the Ducks believe that they can beat the Edmonton Oilers.”Friedman then discussed the Oilers’ upcoming decisions, including whether to start Tristan Jarry over Connor Ingram for the next game.“I think the Oilers are going to have some big decisions to make,” Friedman said.
“And I wouldn’t put this all on Ingram. It’s much bigger than that. But at the very least, I think they’re going to have to talk about whether they want to go to Jarry for Game 4.”Anaheim’s Game 3 win came from relentless offense and crowd energy.
Beckett Sennecke and Leo Carlsson scored 42 seconds apart in the third period. Mikael Granlund added a goal and two assists, while Lukas Dostal made 20 saves. The Ducks overcame defensive flaws by outscoring a high-powered opponent.Oilers’ coach Kris Knoblauch blamed ‘freebies’ for Game 3 lossFor Edmonton, even Connor McDavid getting on the scoresheet did not shift momentum.
The Oilers showed flashes, but defensive lapses and turnovers proved costly. Head coach Kris Knoblauch admitted his team lacked sharpness and made avoidable mistakes.“Well, I think the first two games, the score inflated a little bit,” Knoblauch said. “You know the power play, the special teams, like they had three goals.
We didn’t give up very much in the second period or in the second game. I thought we defended well. Tonight, not so much.
Just giving them freebies.”Anaheim Ducks defenseman Tyson Hinds (60) fights for the puck against Edmonton Oilers center Trent Frederic (10) during the third period of game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn ImagesThe biggest concern remains consistency in goal and defensive coverage. Edmonton reshaped its goaltending midseason, trading Stuart Skinner for Jarry, while Ingram now leads the crease.
Still, the position remains uncertain under playoff pressure.MORE: Connor McDavid shares injury update after brief scare vs DucksGame 4 now carries added weight. Anaheim has belief and momentum, while Edmonton must respond to equal the series. If the Oilers fail to tighten their defense and settle their goaltending choice, the series could slip further away.