The Anaheim Ducks have been known as the Cardiac Quacks this season, delivering thrilling comebacks and keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers was no exception, as they erased a deficit and secured a 5-4 victory to even the series at 1-1.
Gauthier Shines After Quiet Game 1
After a pedestrian performance in Game 1, where he managed just one shot on goal, 22-year-old Cutter Gauthier rebounded in spectacular fashion. The 41-goal scorer netted two goals, including the game-winner with just over four minutes remaining in the third period. Gauthier's second goal came just 77 seconds after rookie Josh Samanski tied the game, stunning the home crowd at Rogers Place.
“Cutter’s scored a lot of goals, and whatever happened in Game 1… that’s going to happen to a young player,” said Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville. “I know one thing: whenever he shoots, it feels like it’s going to go in, and we want him to keep shooting.”
Lineup Change Pays Off
Quenneville made a key adjustment for Game 2, moving Gauthier to the top line alongside Troy Terry and Leo Carlsson. Chris Kreider dropped to the third line with Ryan Poehling and Mason McTavish. The move paid immediate dividends as Gauthier recorded four shots, hit the crossbar, and was a constant offensive threat.
“I like balance on all four lines,” Quenneville explained. “He’s going to get exposure to different types of defencemen and line matchups you usually don’t see when you’re in the top six. You can get a little more freedom farther down the lineup.”
Oilers' Struggles Continue
For the second straight game, Oilers captain Connor McDavid was held without a point. Edmonton's vaunted power play, which was the best in the NHL during the regular season, went 0-for-6 in Game 2, while the Ducks capitalized on 3-of-5 opportunities with the man advantage. Anaheim also added a short-handed goal from Ryan Poehling.
The Oilers blew a 4-2 lead in the third period, with defensive lapses proving costly. The game-winning goal came after an icing play by Mattias Ekholm, a lost faceoff by Leon Draisaitl to Carlsson, and a failed clearance attempt by Evan Bouchard that bounced off Draisaitl's leg directly to Gauthier.
Series Shifts to Anaheim
With the series tied, the Ducks return home to Honda Center for Games 3 and 4 on Friday and Sunday. The young Anaheim squad, which has shown resilience all season, will look to take control of the series on home ice. Veteran defenceman Jake Trouba joked about the team's youthful exuberance, calling them "young and dumb" for their fearless approach.
Rookie Josh Samanski, playing in his first playoff game, scored a goal in just 11 minutes of ice time, further highlighting the Ducks' depth. As the series progresses, the Ducks will rely on their balanced attack and the continued excellence of Gauthier, who has proven he can bounce back from an off night.
