Mattias Ekholm hat trick vs Ducks will be remembered as one of the most remarkable nights in recent NHL history, as the Edmonton Oilers delivered a dominant performance in Anaheim that redefined the role of defensemen in modern hockey. What started as a regular-season matchup quickly turned into a historic showcase of tactical intelligence, offensive creativity, and elite-level execution from the blue line.
The Edmonton Oilers did more than secure a victory against the Anaheim Ducks. They delivered a performance that reshaped how fans and analysts view the role of defensemen in modern hockey.
Mattias Ekholm’s hat trick was not just a rare individual achievement. It became a defining moment in NHL history, as Edmonton turned into the first team to record hat tricks from defensemen in consecutive games. What unfolded at the rink was not simply a contest for points in the standings. It was a statement about how the game itself is evolving.
This in-depth breakdown explores how Ekholm dominated from the blue line, how Mikael Granlund quietly controlled the tempo, where Anaheim’s defensive structure faltered, and what this match means for both franchises moving forward.
Match Overview: Ducks vs Oilers
The game carried significance long before the opening faceoff. Edmonton entered with confidence, riding strong offensive form and a growing reputation as one of the most dynamic teams in the league. Anaheim, focused on development and system discipline, aimed to test their young roster against elite competition.
From the first shift, it was clear that Edmonton’s defense would play an aggressive role. Instead of staying deep, Ekholm and his fellow blue-liners pushed forward, joining the rush and creating numerical advantages in the offensive zone.
Anaheim attempted to slow the pace by controlling the neutral zone and collapsing around the slot. This strategy worked early, but it also created space at the point. That space would soon prove costly.
First Period: Setting the Tone
The Ducks began with structured positioning, forcing Edmonton wide and limiting clean zone entries. For several minutes, the Oilers were restricted to low-percentage shots and board battles.
Ekholm changed that dynamic by stepping into the play at exactly the right moments. Rather than forcing shots, he waited for Anaheim’s forwards to collapse low. When they did, passing lanes opened near the blue line.
The breakthrough came when Granlund carried the puck into the zone and drew defenders toward him. The pass back to Ekholm was clean. The shot was quick and accurate. The puck found the back of the net before the Ducks’ goaltender could adjust.
It was a warning sign that Edmonton’s defense was not just supporting the attack. They were driving it.
Second Period: Momentum Shifts
Anaheim responded with more aggressive forechecking. Their pressure forced turnovers and created several scoring chances. For a stretch, Edmonton spent extended time defending in their own zone.
The turning point came on a Ducks power play. A blocked shot sparked a counterattack, and Granlund once again played the role of playmaker. He slowed the rush, waited for support, and fed Ekholm as he cut toward the slot.
The second goal followed, and the psychological impact was immediate. A defenseman scoring twice in a high-intensity matchup forced Anaheim to rethink their coverage.
Instead of focusing solely on Edmonton’s star forwards, the Ducks now had to account for threats coming from every direction.
Third Period: History in the Making
Anaheim attempted to tighten their defensive shape in the final period, staying compact and limiting open lanes. Edmonton responded with puck movement and patient cycling.
The hat trick goal came after sustained pressure. The Ducks were drawn out of position along the boards. The puck rotated back to Ekholm at the top of the circle. With traffic in front of the net, he released a shot that beat the goaltender clean.
Hats hit the ice. The Oilers bench erupted. The moment instantly became part of NHL history.
Player Impact Analysis
Mattias Ekholm
Ekholm’s performance stood out not just because of the goals, but because of how they were created. His positioning, timing, and awareness allowed him to attack without compromising defensive responsibility. This balance is what separates modern elite defensemen from traditional blue-liners.
Mikael Granlund
Granlund’s influence went beyond statistics. His ability to slow the game down, draw defenders, and open lanes created space for Ekholm to operate. He controlled the rhythm of play and gave Edmonton the flexibility to attack in layers.
Tactical Breakdown
Anaheim’s system prioritized slot protection, which is a standard approach against high-powered offenses. The flaw was over-commitment. By collapsing too deeply, they left the high slot and blue line exposed.
Edmonton exploited this by rotating defensemen into shooting lanes and using quick puck movement to shift coverage. This approach turned the Ducks’ strength into a weakness.
Match Statistics Table
| Category | Anaheim Ducks | Edmonton Oilers |
| Total Goals | 2 | 5 |
| Shots on Goal | 27 | 34 |
| Power Plays | 0/3 | 1/2 |
| Faceoff Win % | 48% | 52% |
| Hits | 21 | 18 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 9 |
| Defensemen Goals | 0 | 3 (Ekholm) |
This table highlights how Edmonton’s efficiency and puck control allowed their defense to become a decisive factor in the game.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Edmonton, this performance reinforces their identity as a complete team. When defensemen can contribute offensively without sacrificing structure, it makes the Oilers extremely difficult to shut down in high-pressure games.
For Anaheim, the match offers a learning opportunity. Competing in today’s NHL requires awareness not just of star forwards, but of mobile, aggressive defensemen who can turn a broken play into a scoring chance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many fans searching for details about the Mattias Ekholm hat trick vs Ducks want to understand how rare it is for a defenseman to dominate a game at this level, especially against a structured team like Anaheim.
How rare is a defenseman hat trick in the NHL?
It is extremely rare. Defensemen typically focus on stopping goals rather than scoring them. A single hat trick from a blue-liner is uncommon, making consecutive games with defensemen hat tricks a historic achievement.
Why was Mattias Ekholm so effective in this game?
Ekholm combined smart positioning with precise shot selection. He did not force plays. Instead, he waited for defensive breakdowns and attacked open lanes at the right moments.
What role did Mikael Granlund play?
Granlund acted as a tempo controller. His ability to draw defenders and create space allowed Edmonton’s defensemen to step into scoring positions.
What should Anaheim improve after this loss?
The Ducks need to apply more pressure at the blue line and avoid collapsing too deeply into their own zone. Giving skilled defensemen time and space leads to high-quality scoring chances.
Does this change how teams defend against the Oilers?
Yes. Opponents can no longer focus only on Edmonton’s top forwards. They must now account for offensive threats coming from the blue line as well.
Authoritative Sources and References
For accuracy, historical context, and official match coverage, this article is supported by trusted hockey and sports journalism platforms:
- NHL Official Website
https://www.nhl.com
Used for player statistics, historical records, and official game summaries. - Sportsnet
https://www.sportsnet.ca
Used for breaking news, performance analysis, and post-game insights. - Daily Faceoff
https://www.dailyfaceoff.com
Used for lineup data, tactical breakdowns, and player performance trends. - Hockey Reference
https://www.hockey-reference.com
Used for historical comparisons and player performance metrics.
Read More
By
