Dickinson’s long-awaited return

Jason Dickinson returned to the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Monday and scored twice in Edmonton’s 4-3 Game 1 win over Anaheim. (nhl.com) Dickinson had not appeared in a playoff game since 2020, and he entered Game 1 after Edmonton listed him as a game-time decision. He tied the game 3-3 in the third period before Kasperi Kapanen scored the winner with 1:54 left. (nhl.com) The Oilers got both of their goals from Dickinson in his first postseason game with the club after acquiring him from the Chicago Blackhawks on March 4. Edmonton sent Andrew Mangiapane and a conditional 2027 first-round pick to Chicago in that trade. (nhl.com) Edmonton brought Dickinson in as a third-line center with a defensive role, and his playoff return followed a lower-body injury he sustained while blocking a shot against the San Jose Sharks on April 8. NHL.com’s playoff roster rundown said he had four points in 17 regular-season games with the Oilers before the postseason opened. (nhl.com) His availability was uncertain right up to puck drop. Edmonton’s projected lineup on April 20 listed both Dickinson and Leon Draisaitl as game-time decisions for Game 1 at Rogers Place. (nhl.com) The opener turned on depth scoring as much as star power. The Associated Press game report said Dickinson and Kapanen each scored twice, helping Edmonton erase a 3-2 deficit in the third period. (apnews.com) Anaheim had the lead after goals from Cutter Gauthier, Trevor Zegras and Frank Vatrano, but the Ducks gave it back late. The Ducks’ own recap said Dickinson’s second goal tied the game before Kapanen put Edmonton ahead for good. (nhl.com) For Edmonton, the return answered a question that had lingered for nearly two weeks: whether a trade-deadline pickup hurt on April 8 could be ready for April 20. In Game 1, Dickinson was not just available — he was on the scoresheet twice. (nhl.com)