Oilers fall to Ducks in Game 2 thriller as Anaheim levels playoff series with late Gauthier goal

The Edmonton Oilers were beaten 6-4 by the Anaheim Ducks in a high-scoring Game 2, as Anaheim levelled their first-round playoff series.

Cutter Gauthier led the Ducks with two goals and an assist, including a decisive late strike that restored Anaheim’s lead in the final minutes.

Ryan Poehling added two goals, while Alex Killorn and Jacob Trouba also contributed in a strong offensive display.

The Oilers, who won Game 1, twice fought back during the contest with Leon Draisaitl openign the scoring and adding another assist, while Connor Murphy, Zach Hyman and Josh Samanski also found the net.

Edmonton drew level at 4-4 midway through the third period when Samanski finished a quick break following a turnover.

However, Gauthier capitalised on a defensive error soon after, firing into an open net to put the Ducks back in front.

Poehling sealed the result with an empty-net goal in the closing stages.

Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal made 33 saves, while Edmonton’s Connor Ingram stopped 22 shots.

There was concern for Oilers captain Connor McDavid after he briefly left the ice following a collision, though he returned later in the game.