Edmonton came back from a three week break where every single player was able to rest up, practice, and prepare for the final stretch – minus Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl who spent the break travelling and competing.

How did all that rest and preparation end up? More of the same, it turns out.

The Oilers were able to launch a five goal assault throughout the game, leading or tied with the Ducks for the first 58 minutes. But every time Edmonton was able to get a lead the Ducks were able to rally, mostly due to a horrible performance from Tristan Jarry – who got pulled on the fifth goal – but also due to shoddy defense from the usual suspects, including Darnell Nurse who continues to perennially underperform his mammoth contract.

Darnell Nurse was completely dog walked for the last goal of the game and the Oilers had little time to rally before taking a tripping penalty and sealing their fate.

Before the break Edmonton was on a three loss skid, tonight’s return to the ice was an opportunity to start the final stretch on a good foot. It was also an important game, the Pacific division is razor thin at the moment – these intra-divisional games are extremely important unless you’re facing the Canucks.

The Oilers looked like the better team for most of the night, but when Edmonton wasn’t dominating they were made fools of by a team that hasn’t made the playoffs in seven years.

So all in all, not great.

The Oilers will need to be better when they play a back-to-back game against the LA Kings tomorrow night.