RICKARD RAKELL scored three goals for the Anaheim Ducks in their 6-5 loss to Edmonton on Sunday (Flickr/Bridget Samuels).

As they scramble to grab a Stanley Cup playoff berth in the heavy traffic of the NHL Pacific Division, the Anaheim Ducks are stuck in second gear.

Despite a stellar performance from Rickard Rakell on Sunday at Honda Center, the Ducks lost 6-5 in a shootout to the Edmonton Oilers for their second consecutive loss. But despite the defeat, they remained in third place with a 31-21-12 record for 74 points. The top three teams in each division make the playoffs.

The defeat was almost a waste of an amazing effort for Rakell, who had a hat trick to tie the game and send it into extra time with scores at the 19:39 and 19:53 marks.

“It always feels good to score, but it feels better to win,” said Rakell. “There were only 20 seconds left. To score another goal, it’s a pretty nice feeling.”

He also scored in the first period. Also scoring for Anaheim were Adam Henrique and Ryan Getzlaf. In the shootout, Rakell also found the goal, but the other Ducks were denied and the Oilers lit the red lamp twice.

Nevertheless, the Ducks did pick up a point with the shootout loss. “The way the standings look right now, we need to take every point we can get and move forward. We’re going to need them all in the end,” he added.

Next up for the Ducks will be a game on Friday against the Columbus Blue Jackets (31-26-5) at Honda Center.