Connor McDavid rips Oilers’ calling ‘average team with high expectations’ after playoff exit

The Edmonton Oilers ended their season with a 5-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 on April 30, 2026. Anaheim wrapped up the first-round series 4-2, and Edmonton struggled again with pace and consistency, problems that defined their season.

After the loss, captain Connor McDavid did not hold back. He called the Oilers “an average team with high expectations,” pointing to a season-long issue.

“That was tough,” McDavid said. “We were an average team all year. An average team with high expectations, you’re going to be disappointed. We just never found it.”

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McDavid said the Ducks played faster and forced Edmonton into chasing the game early.

“They played very fast, and we weren’t very fast,” McDavid said. “Yeah, it was just the opposite. They had a good start. We didn’t, chasing the game.”

Game 6 reflected those concerns. Anaheim struck early through Ryan Poehling and Chris Kreider, setting the tone. Connor Murphy briefly responded, but Cutter Gauthier restored control before the first break. Troy Terry’s second-period goal stretched the lead, while a disallowed effort from Zach Hyman hurt Edmonton’s momentum.

A third-period goal from Vasily Podkolzin, assisted by Leon Draisaitl, gave hope. However, Anaheim tightened defensively and closed the game with two late goals. Edmonton finished with 27 shots but lacked sustained pressure across periods.