Oilers vs Ducks: Drama & Skill in First Round

0:00It's April 20th, from game day to every day, this is NHL News today, powered by AI. Tonight the Edmonton Oilers host the Anaheim Ducks for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round at 10 p.m. Eastern. The Oilers are pushing for a third straight Stanley Cup final appearance, facing a fresh duck squad back in the playoffs for the first time since 2018. It's a shift from their usual first round battle with the Kings, this time against the young, skilled Anaheim team that loves to rally. Expect some line-up drama with Oilers stars Leon Drossidel and Jason Dickinson, both game time decisions. Drossidel sat out the last 14 regular season games with a lower body injury from mid-March, while Dickinson missed the final three after, blocking a shot. Coach Chris Noblowke is keeping it close to the vest, saying they'll reveal nothing until puck drop. Others on both sides are hyped. Oilers forward, Zach Hyman called the Ducks hungry with tons of skill and goals.

1:00Ducks captain Radkoguda said hitting the playoffs was their season goal, and the room is buzzing with first-timers ready for hard work. Everyone knows this could be a gritty series. Keep eyes on three big factors. First, Drossidel's potential return, he racked up 97 points in 65 games and powers their top ranked penalty kill. Second, Anaheim's league-leading 26 comeback wins, including 12 in the third period, show their never-quit vibe. Third, special teams, Oilers dominated power plays with Drossidel, but dip without him, while Ducks stressed discipline to avoid penalties. As morning skates wrapped with no clear updates on the injury duo, line-ups stay fluid. This match-up sets the tone for a wild first round. Oilers depth meets Ducks' fire, strapping for the action.