The Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks are level at 1-1 in their Stanley Cup playoff series following two intense games in Canada. Leo Carlsson impressed with a goal and assist plus 10 shots in the opener, while the Ducks responded with a six-goal win in game two. Both teams' Swedish stars shared insights ahead of game three in Anaheim.
The series began with Edmonton staging a late comeback to win game one at home, despite Leo Carlsson's strong performance for Anaheim. The young Swedish forward notched 1+1 and fired 10 shots on goal, emerging as a key threat according to Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm. Ekholm, who joined Edmonton via trade in the 2022-23 season and has experienced recent final losses, stressed the need to neutralize Carlsson. “Man måste få stopp på en förstecenter annars brukar det inte gå så bra. Han är otroligt duktig,” Ekholm told Hockeynews, calling him “en fruktansvärt duktig hockeyspelare.” He noted Anaheim's depth across three forward lines led by Carlsson in their top line, adding that Oilers have the tools to contain him but face a significant challenge with the series tied 1-1. Ekholm felt his team has not yet reached full potential: “Tycker väl kanske att vi inte kommit upp i den nivån vi kan... dom är bra och det är tufft och jämnt.” Anaheim bounced back emphatically in game two, scoring six goals in Rogers Place to even the series. Carlsson, in his playoff debut, relished the intensity. “Intensivt är det, men inte så mycket som jag trodde... Det är klart farten är högre,” he said to Hockeynews, praising Edmonton's crowd but noting Ducks' success in limiting Connor McDavid. “Vi har haft bra klubbor på honom... göra honom lite arg – det hjälper.” Game three shifts to Honda Center tonight, where Carlsson anticipates a lively home atmosphere: “Coolt. Mycket folk och bra tryck!” With stars like McDavid and Leon Draisaitl driving Edmonton, both sides brace for a tight battle.
