What we learned in the Ducks’ 4-0 loss to the Oilers

The Ducks knew it was coming and still couldn’t stop it.

The four-day All-Star break loomed large and it wasn’t difficult to sense that they had their bags packed once they fell behind to the Edmonton Oilers.

But they were probably due for a clunker, and the Edmonton Oilers imposed their game in a 4-0 win at Honda Center on Wednesday.

Here’s what we learned:

The break can’t come soon enough. Coaches often cite the schedule as an excuse for poor play, but it’s a legitimate reason this year with the compressed itinerary.

The Ducks completed 13 games in the first 25 days of January and have not had consecutive days off since Jan. 2-3. Ryan Kesler alluded to a much-needed hiatus when he shrugged off the challenge of playing the last game before the break.

“It’s disappointing,” Kesler said. “It [stinks] tonight. We’ve got to wake up tomorrow and get our rest and enjoy the break and come back hungry.”

The third line was their best and worst line. The trio of Nick Ritchie, Antoine Vermette and Ondrej Kase asserted themselves early with a healthy forecheck and several scoring opportunities. They combined for nine shots.

They have often elevated themselves on nights when Anaheim’s top two lines don’t, so it wasn’t unusual.

But Ritchie and Vermette were also on the ice for three of Edmonton’s goals in an all-around disjointed night for the Ducks.

Leon Draisaitl might be one of the NHL’s best-kept secrets. His two goals pushed his goal total to 19, but he’s not the same household name as other scorers of that ilk.

It probably doesn’t help that Draisaitl is overshadowed by Edmonton linemate Connor McDavid, the league’s marquee player. But Draisaitl has been a pleasant surprise since his first full NHL season last year, and he fits in with the skilled, fast-skating Oilers.

“It’s a lot of fun playing with this team,” Draisaitl said.

sports@latimes.com