Cutter Gauthier and the Anaheim Ducks are facing the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on Thursday night, with the young forward carrying one of the most productive stretches in franchise history into the Pacific Division matchup.
Gauthier scored three goals in Anaheim’s 5-4 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, becoming the first player in Ducks history to record hat tricks in consecutive games.
The performance extended Anaheim’s winning streak to two games and gave the club five or more goals in five straight games for the first time.
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Cutter Gauthier headlines Anaheim’s attack
Cutter Gauthier is projected to skate on the Ducks’ second line between Mikael Granlund and Beckett Sennecke.
The 22-year-old winger entered the game after producing six goals during Anaheim’s recent three-game stretch, including the back-to-back hat tricks against Ottawa and Vancouver.
Gauthier’s recent surge adds another dimension to a Ducks offence that has also relied on Leo Carlsson, Alex Killorn and Judd Caufield in the top six.
Anaheim’s power play has been particularly effective during the club’s latest run, converting 10 times on 12 opportunities across its previous three games, according to the Ducks.
That success will be tested by an Edmonton team that entered Thursday with an 11-2-3 record and first place in the Pacific Division.
Ducks and Oilers lineups for Thursday’s game
| Team | Projected starting goalie | Key forward line |
|---|---|---|
| Anaheim Ducks | Laurent Brossoit | Alex Killorn, Leo Carlsson, Judd Caufield |
| Edmonton Oilers | Matt Tomkins | Vasily Podkolzin, Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl |
Anaheim coach Joel Quenneville said there would be no lineup changes from the win in Vancouver.
That left Gauthier, Granlund and Sennecke together on the second line, while Brossoit was expected to make his third consecutive start in goal.
The Ducks were without A.J.
Greer, Ian Moore, Ryan Poehling and Troy Terry because of injuries, while Tyson Hinds, Ville Husso and Frank Vatrano were projected to be scratched.
Edmonton also planned to use the same skaters from its previous game, a 4-3 shootout loss to the New Jersey Devils.
Matt Tomkins was set to start for the Oilers, with Devon Levi expected to dress as the backup while Tristan Jarry dealt with an illness.
Zach Hyman remained unavailable after an upper-body injury, although he took part as an extra skater during Edmonton’s morning practice.
Connor McDavid presents the main challenge
The Oilers’ attack is led by Connor McDavid, who entered the game with 40 points and 31 assists, both NHL-leading totals cited by the Ducks.
Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard also ranked near the top of the league in assists, giving Edmonton several high-end playmakers capable of turning a small defensive mistake into a scoring chance.
Quenneville said the Ducks would need to limit McDavid’s speed before he reaches open ice.
For Anaheim, that means maintaining tight gaps through the neutral zone, supporting the puck carrier and avoiding extended defensive shifts.
The matchup also gives Gauthier an opportunity to test his finishing ability against an Oilers club that has allowed the Ducks to create dangerous chances in previous meetings.
What is at stake for both teams
Anaheim entered the night at 7-7-1 and was trying to build momentum during its Canadian road trip.
Edmonton, meanwhile, was beginning a four-game homestand after winning three of its previous four games.
The teams had already met once this season, with Edmonton winning 5-2 in Anaheim on October 7.
Thursday’s game therefore offered the Ducks a chance to respond in the rematch while measuring their recent offensive improvement against one of the league’s strongest teams.
Gauthier’s form gives Anaheim a clear focal point, but the larger test will be whether the Ducks can maintain their power-play efficiency without sacrificing structure against McDavid and Draisaitl.
The game was scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern Time at Rogers Place and was available through Prime Video and Sportsnet West.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Cutter Gauthier?
Cutter Gauthier is a 22-year-old forward for the Anaheim Ducks and one of the club’s leading young offensive players.
What did Cutter Gauthier accomplish before facing Edmonton?
He scored hat tricks in consecutive games against Ottawa and Vancouver, becoming the first player in Ducks history to achieve the feat.
When did the Ducks play the Oilers?
The Ducks faced the Oilers on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
Who were the projected starting goalies?
Laurent Brossoit was projected to start for Anaheim, while Matt Tomkins was projected to start for Edmonton.
Where could fans watch Ducks versus Oilers?
The game was scheduled for Prime Video and Sportsnet West, with puck drop listed for 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
Fact-Checked: Key game details, lineups, records, injuries and Gauthier’s recent scoring achievements were checked against official Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton Oilers and NHL information.
Disclaimer: Projected lineups and player availability can change after publication because of late scratches or pre-game decisions.