The Anaheim Ducks eliminated the Edmonton Oilers from the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs with a convincing 5-2 victory in Game 6 on Thursday night at Honda Center. Anaheim, which entered the postseason as the Pacific Division's third seed after an eight-year playoff absence, advances to the second round for the first time since 2017.

Anaheim jumped out to a commanding 3-1 lead in the first period, scoring three times in the frame. Ryan Poehling opened the scoring at 9:56, assisted by John Carlson and Cutter Gauthier. Chris Kreider followed at 13:43 with helpers from Leo Carlsson and Troy Terry. Edmonton answered quickly through Connor Murphy at 15:14, set up by Josh Samanski and Colton Dach. But Cutter Gauthier restored the two-goal margin on the power play at 16:50, with assists from Jackson LaCombe and Mason McTavish.

Troy Terry extended the Ducks' lead to 4-1 late in the second period at 19:13, getting passes from Carlsson and Kreider. Vasily Podkolzin pulled one back for the Oilers 1:13 into the third, assisted by Kasperi Kapanen and Leon Draisaitl. Leo Carlsson sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 17:26, assisted by Kreider and Terry.

Carlsson, Terry, and Kreider each finished with three points in the clincher. Gauthier added a goal and an assist. For Edmonton, Draisaitl picked up an assist despite the two-time defending conference finalists' elimination.

The series was a high-scoring affair overall. Edmonton took Game 1, 4-3. Anaheim responded with a 6-4 win in Game 2, then dominated Game 3, 7-4, and eked out a 4-3 overtime victory in Game 4. The Oilers staved off elimination with a 4-1 triumph in Game 5 behind two goals from Draisaitl.

Anaheim's depth and home-ice advantage in Games 3, 4, and 6 proved decisive against the higher-seeded Oilers. The Ducks outscored Edmonton 23-18 across the six games. Jackson LaCombe led all playoff scorers with eight points through the series before Game 6.

With the win, Anaheim awaits the winner of the other Western Conference first-round matchup in the Pacific Division. The Ducks' next opponent and second-round schedule will be announced once that series concludes.