To Mark Letestu and the Edmonton Oilers fans, the open net looked as tantalizing as it did the four other times.

Rogers Place erupted after Letestu’s goal gave the Oilers a 5-0 lead over the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 last Sunday. The offensive outburst solidified an eventual 7-1 win for Edmonton, knotting the series at three games apiece. Fans were excited enough for the win, but even more so for the consequences of it: Game 7 of what has been a thrilling series.

The Edmonton-Anaheim battle has had historic comebacks, unlikely heroes and highlight-reel goals from tremendous talents. As predicted here at The Game Haus, it’s a no-brainer why this series is going to seven games.

As the series opened in California for Game 1, the physicality and grit was apparent. Two of the best-hitting teams in the NHL battered each other on the boards, leading to very few opportunities for either side.

It was a 1-1 tie heading into the third period before both teams turned up the intensity. Edmonton defenseman Adam Larsson, the marquee acquisition for general manager Peter Chiarelli last offseason, notched two of the Oilers’ four goals in the period.

His tally with 4:40 remaining in a 3-3 contest gave Edmonton a much-needed win on the road. Larsson scored just four goals all season. He was the source of firepower Edmonton didn’t expect, but certainly welcomed.

Outdoing themselves, Edmonton secured another road win in Game 2 thanks to Cam Talbot. Anaheim was relentless on the attack for a full 60 minutes, finding ways to shoot from anywhere on the ice. But Cam Talbot was sensational in the affair, posting 39 saves in a 2-1 victory.

Despite playing well in the first two games, the Ducks were in a 2-0 hole. They had only lost 12 games at home in the regular season, the third-fewest in the league. However, they were in this spot in the final weeks of the season.

Slumping atop the division while Edmonton gained ground in the standings, Anaheim went on a tear to close out the year. It would do the same north of the border.

Ryan Getzlaf took over in the first period of Game 3, tallying a goal and an assist to put the Ducks on top 3-0. He’s moved the puck well throughout the offensive zone, but that doesn’t come as a surprise. He’s also managed to fight his way to the net facing a ton of pressure from Edmonton, and he finds a way through. His performance set the tone at the start of the affair.

Even though the Oilers came back from a three-goal deficit, Jakob Silfverberg took over in the third. These two were instrumental in the Ducks’ comeback in the series at a time where Corey Perry and Ryan Kesler got off to slow starts.

Getzlaf and Silfverberg continued to excel in Game 4. The Oilers scored twice in the first, including a beautiful snipe from wunderkind Connor McDavid.

But Getzlaf willed the Ducks with two goals and three points in the second for a 3-2 Anaheim advantage.

Edmonton answered at the 18:18 mark in the third thanks to Drake Caggiula, of all people.

Getzlaf and Silfverberg picked up goalie John Gibson, though, connecting for the overtime winner 45 seconds into the extra frame and tying the series. These occurrences set the precedents for what became a best-of-three series: the road team is king and no lead is safe.

Speaking of unsafe leads, Game 5 in Anaheim was arguably the wildest game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. McDavid, Caggiula and Leon Draisaitl lit the lamp in the second period. Talbot stood on his head the entire game.

But with 3:16 to go, one of the most improbable comebacks began. Anaheim scored twice and then a questionable goaltender interference no-call led to Rickard Rakell’s equalizer with 15 seconds left. Replays showed Kesler at least made contact with Talbot’s pad before he tried to save the puck.

Despite the missed call, the game went to double overtime before Corey Perry, who was phenomenal all night, sent the loyal Ducks fans home happy. Anaheim led the series 3-2 before Edmonton’s Game Six thrashing.

Hockey fans have seen it all in six games as fans of both teams have seen enough tense moments. There’s just one more tonight in Anaheim, though home ice hasn’t helped either team much here. Here are important keys for each team.

EDMONTON: Stopping Ryan Getzlaf is next to impossible. The Oilers need to pay attention to him, but limiting those around him will make the most difference on defense. This also means helping Cam Talbot as much as possible. The blue liners have to clear pucks out from in front. If Talbot from the last two games shows up, then the Oilers have a chance.

ANAHEIM: Special teams needs to get going. After a top five penalty kill in the regular season, the Ducks have allowed seven power play goals. On the flip side, their power play is 0-for-15 since Game Two. They got here with strong special teams and they have the talent, but they need to execute tonight.

Regardless of the keys, this game can go either way. McDavid versus Getzlaf has been enjoyable to watch. The game should be the same.

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