Ekholm's Historic Hat Trick Fuels Oilers' Dominant Win Over Ducks
In a remarkable display of offensive firepower from the blue line, veteran defenseman Mattias Ekholm delivered a performance for the ages. Playing in his 938th NHL game, Ekholm netted his first career hat trick, propelling the Edmonton Oilers to a decisive 7-4 victory over the Anaheim Ducks.
A Night of Firsts and Historic Achievements
Ekholm's three-goal outburst was particularly significant given his recent goal drought this season. His persistence paid off in spectacular fashion, as he became just the latest defenseman to achieve this rare feat for Edmonton. Remarkably, the Oilers made NHL history by becoming the first team ever to have defensemen score hat tricks in consecutive games. Evan Bouchard had accomplished the same milestone just two nights earlier, highlighting an unprecedented offensive surge from Edmonton's defensive corps.
Defensive Dominance Turns Offensive
The game showcased how Edmonton's defense has evolved into a multifaceted weapon. Ekholm opened the second-period surge with a perfectly executed give-and-go finish, setting the tone for what was to come. Darnell Nurse quickly followed with another goal, extending Edmonton's lead and demonstrating the blue line's offensive capabilities.
Within minutes, what had been a tight contest transformed into a commanding advantage for the Oilers. Their defensemen weren't just breaking plays in their own zone—they were actively joining the rush, creating scoring opportunities, and keeping Anaheim constantly on their heels. This aggressive defensive approach created numerous offensive chances that Anaheim struggled to contain.
Balanced Attack and Key Contributions
While Ekholm's hat trick stole the headlines, Edmonton's victory was a complete team effort. Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman each contributed a goal and an assist, while Leon Draisaitl orchestrated the offense with four assists, showcasing the Oilers' exceptional offensive chemistry. Goaltender Tristan Jarry provided stability with 36 saves, maintaining Edmonton's control throughout the game and giving his teammates the confidence to continue their aggressive play.
The Oilers' balanced attack—combining offensive firepower from defensemen with their established forward talent—proved too much for Anaheim to handle. Even when the Ducks managed to generate momentum, Edmonton's versatile squad had answers at every turn.
Ducks' Valiant Effort Falls Short
For the Anaheim Ducks, Mikael Granlund delivered an impressive performance of his own, scoring a power-play hat trick to keep his team competitive. Beckett Sennecke contributed two assists, helping Anaheim stay within striking distance throughout portions of the game. However, Edmonton's combination of aggressive defense and opportunistic offense ultimately proved insurmountable.
Sealing the Victory and Looking Ahead
The Oilers sealed their 7-4 victory with empty-net goals from both McDavid and Ekholm, putting an exclamation point on a memorable night. This win not only leaves a significant mark on Edmonton's season but also reinforces their status as a multidimensional threat capable of scoring from any position on the ice.
Coach Kris Knoblauch praised Ekholm's extraordinary performance after the game, noting how unusual it is for a defenseman to score three goals in a single contest. The coach emphasized that this achievement highlights not only Ekholm's persistence but also demonstrates the depth and versatility that Edmonton's squad has developed. The Oilers have shown they can transform defensive plays into scoring chances at any moment, making them an increasingly formidable opponent as the season progresses.
