Vasily Podkolzin on Oilers’ 3-1 hole, Kapanen’s four goals

vasily podkolzin’s name sits in the spotlight with Kasperi Kapanen’s four playoff goals, and the Edmonton Oilers need both players to keep pushing as they return home trailing 3-1 in their round one series against the Anaheim Ducks. Kapanen has been one of the few bright spots for Edmonton in a series that now heads to a must-win Game 5.

Kapanen’s four-goal push

Kapanen is tied for second in playoff goal scoring with four goals, and the number comes with real weight for Edmonton because his scoring has been timely rather than cosmetic. He turned in dogged finishes in a round one series where the Oilers have needed offense to keep pace.

The winger reached that mark while dealing with a regular season that was interrupted by injury trouble and limited him to 41 games. He is 29 years old and set to become a free agent, so the run has come at a moment when every strong shift carries extra value.

Edmonton’s 3-1 deficit

Edmonton’s problem is simple: the Oilers are behind 3-1 and heading back to Edmonton for Game 5. That leaves Kapanen’s production as one of the few clear positives in a series the club has struggled to control against Anaheim.

The series situation also puts more pressure on the rest of the lineup to match his output. Leon Draisaitl returned from injured reserve ready to play playoff hockey and has seven points in four appearances, while his line has been dominant when he and Connor McDavid are on the ice together.

For the Oilers, the immediate task is to turn those individual numbers into enough offense to extend the series. Kapanen’s four goals have already been a rare lift; Game 5 asks for more of the same from a team that cannot afford another quiet night.