Sports
LIV Golf postpones June's New Orleans event
BBC Sport
NHLRecap
Oilersâ Connor McDavid, Evan Bouchardâs even-strength struggles threaten early playoff exit
TL;DR
The Edmonton Oilers are facing elimination in Game 5 against the Anaheim Ducks, trailing 3â1 in their playoff series. Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard's struggles at even strength are significant concerns for the team's chances of advancing.
Key points
- Oilers face elimination in Game 5 against Ducks
- Oilers trail 3â1 in playoff series
- Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard struggling at even strength
- Ducks performing well in playoffs
- Oilers have little margin for error
Edmonton OilersAnaheim DucksConnor McDavidEvan Bouchard
Connor McDavid, Evan Bouchard IMAGN 042826
Oilersâ Connor McDavid, Evan Bouchardâs even-strength struggles threaten early playoff exit originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
On Tuesday, the Edmonton Oilers face a season-defining moment as they try to avoid elimination in Game 5 of their first-round series against the Anaheim Ducks.
Trailing 3â1, Edmonton has little margin for error against a Ducks team that has translated its regular-season success into a commanding playoff performance.
The Ducks spent much of the year atop the Pacific Division before slipping late in the season. Despite faltering before the playoffs, the Ducks have turned things around and have used their structure and defensive discipline to be particularly effective in neutralizing Edmontonâs high-powered stars.
Through the opening games of the series, Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard have struggled to generate their usual impact at even strength.
Following Game 3, both players were tied with âs for the worst even-strength goal differential among playoff skaters. Now they each sit at minus-4 with just two goals for and six against, according to . Although other players across the league have since dipped that mark below, the lack of improvement from Edmontonâs top contributors remains a major concern.
Q&A
What is the current playoff series status for the Edmonton Oilers against the Anaheim Ducks?
The Oilers are trailing 3â1 in their first-round playoff series against the Ducks.
Who are the key players struggling for the Oilers in the playoffs?
Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard are the key players struggling at even strength.
What game are the Oilers facing that could lead to their elimination?
The Oilers are facing Game 5, which is a must-win to avoid elimination.
How has the Anaheim Ducks' performance impacted the Oilers' playoff chances?
The Ducks have successfully translated their regular-season success into a commanding playoff performance, putting the Oilers at risk of an early exit.