The Edmonton Oilers secured a thrilling 3-2 victory against the Anaheim Ducks on January 3, 2025, at Rogers Place, overcoming the burden of their previous loss to the same team just days earlier. With this win, the Oilers not only continued their push for the top of the Pacific Division but also impressed the home crowd before embarking on a four-game road trip.
With fans eagerly seeking redemption after witnessing the Oilers squander a two-goal lead during their previous matchup against the Ducks on December 30, the team started strong. Just under 17 minutes left in the first period, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins opened the scoring with his ninth goal of the season. He capitalized on Anaheim's defense lapse, taking the puck hard to the net and benefiting from some fortunate bounces.
Defenceman Darnell Nurse followed up with his fourth goal of the campaign, firing home just after the midpoint of the game. The Oilers appeared to be firmly in control, leading 2-0 and carrying momentum. But the resilient Ducks, who had come off strong performances with their own three-game winning streak, made sure it wouldn’t be easy.
Despite the Oilers’ early dominance, the Ducks fought back. A breakaway goal by Brett Leason cut the Oilers' lead to one just before the second intermission, putting pressure back on the home team. The Oilers endured another twist as Jackson LaCombe, on the power play, tied it up at 2-2 early in the third period, raising the stakes significantly.
Head Coach Kris Knoblauch expressed his disappointment about the goal they conceded late in the second period, saying, "It’s disappointing. We played a heck of a period and unfortunately we gave up ... and mistake gives them life, puts them back in the game." The coach's frustrations were palpable as Edmonton struggled to convert on several scoring opportunities, which included prolific offensive chances thwarted by Ducks' goaltender Lukas Dostal.
But as the clock ticked down, Oilers star Leon Draisaitl made his mark. With just 1:35 remaining, he received a deft cross-ice pass from Nurse and, with shades of brilliance, managed to kick the puck from his knee to his stick, cleanly picking the corner of the net for his league-leading 28th goal of the season and sealing the victory for Edmonton. Draisaitl, reflecting on his moment, stated, "I take big pride in stepping up when it’s needed most. It’s something ... important to me." This decisive goal not only marked his ninth game-winning goal of the season but also extended his remarkable points streak to 13 games, leaving him tied for the longest streak of the current season.
Despite the imperfect execution throughout the game, Darnell Nurse provided excellent insight on the importance of winning even when performances are not at their peak. "Good teams find a way to win," Nurse explained. "Sometimes you go through stretches where you’re not finding those wins, but we’re finding ways to make big plays at big moments." His contributions of both a goal and assist exemplified his leadership and engagement throughout the game.
With this victory, the Oilers improved their record to 23-12-3, having won ten of their last thirteen games. With such momentum, they find themselves two points behind the Los Angeles Kings and eight behind first-place Vegas. The urgency to win is clear as the Oilers push to reclaim their status among the NHL elite, especially with the looming road trip starting with the Seattle Kraken the next night.
Meanwhile, the Ducks will return home hoping to find their footing against the Tampa Bay Lightning, as they look to erase the disappointment of this close defeat.
This game was not just about two points; it emphasized the Oilers' growing resilience as they navigate the mid-season challenges, proving once again the adage—it's how you finish the game, not how you start it.