One of the biggest NHL storylines since his rise to stardom has been Connor McDavid’s elusive hunt for his first Stanley Cup. That has yet to change, and his Edmonton Oilers currently sit one loss away from another season without hoisting the cup.
The story for Edmonton has been the same as always: a high-powered offense with a lackluster defense behind it. Game 5 was the Oilers’ best defensively, as they gave up just one goal to the Ducks after allowing three or more to Anaheim in every game this series prior.
Anaheim is playing in its first playoff series since 2018, but with how close they are to moving on, they want more than a first round. They haven’t moved on further than the first round since 2017, when they fell in the Conference Finals to the Nashville Predators.
While it’s hard to stop Edmonton’s offensive prowess, the Ducks proved they were up to the task during Tuesday’s 4-1 win. It may sound obvious, but one of the only ways to beat McDavid’s Oilers is to score more than them, which has proved to be a hard task when the team is firing on all cylinders. The Ducks currently lead the NHL playoff field with the most goals per game at 4.2, with Edmonton right on their tail in second at 3.8.
If the Ducks are able to close out the job tonight at home, they will take on the winner of the Golden Knights vs. Mammoth series. If not, Edmonton will host Game 7 at Rogers Place.
Here’s what you need to know about Thursday’s matchup between Anaheim and Edmonton, including broadcast information and start time.
What channel is Ducks vs. Oilers on today?
- TV channels: TNT, truTV
- Live streams: DIRECTV
Game 6 in the Ducks vs. Oilers series will air on TNT and truTV. Fans can stream the game live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users.
Catch every game – try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live MLB, March Madness, soccer and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network—all included with DIRECTV.
Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.
Ducks vs. Oilers start time
- Date: Thursday, April 30
- Time: 10 p.m. ET
Game 6 of the NHL Playoffs series between Anaheim and Edmonton is set to begin at 10 p.m. ET from Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Edmonton was able to narrow its series deficit to just one game after a 4-1 win at home in Game 5. The winner of this series will take on the winner of the Golden Knights vs. Mammoth series.
Ducks vs. Oilers series schedule
Anaheim leads series 3-2
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 20 | Game 1: Oilers 4, Ducks 3 | — | — |
| April 22 | Game 2: Ducks 6, Oilers 4 | — | — |
| April 24 | Game 3: Ducks 7, Oilers 4 | — | — |
| April 26 | Game 4: Ducks 4, Oilers 3 (OT) | — | — |
| April 28 | Game 5: Oilers 4, Ducks 1 | — | — |
| April 30 | Game 6 at Anaheim | 10 p.m. | TNT, truTV, DIRECTV |
| May 2 | Game 7* at Edmonton | TBA | TBA, DIRECTV |
* If necessary
NHL Playoffs bracket 2026
Click here for the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs bracket, updated live as series are completed.
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2026
Here are the key dates to know for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs and offseason.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| First round begins | April 18 |
| NHL Draft Lottery | May 5 |
| NHL Scouting Combine at Buffalo | May 31-June 6 |
| Stanley Cup Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 21 |
| NHL Draft at Los Angeles | June 26-27 |
| Free agency begins | July 1 |