The Edmonton Oilers (1-1-0) and Anaheim Ducks (1-1-0) meet in the NHL tonight. Puck drop is set for 10:00 p.m. EDT at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. The game will be broadcast live on TNT.
The Oilers are favored by -1.5 on the puck line, with the over/under set at 6.5 (-157o / +130u). The Oilers are a -130 favorite to win outright, while the Ducks are +110 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Oilers vs. Ducks predictions and NHL picks.
Oilers vs. Ducks Odds, Pick
| Oilers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +170 | 6.5 -157o / +130u | -130 |
| Ducks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -210 | 6.5 -157o / +130u | +110 |
- Oilers vs. Ducks Spread: Oilers -1.5 (+170), Ducks +1.5 (-210)
- Oilers vs. Ducks Over/Under: 6.5 (-157o / +130u)
- Oilers vs. Ducks Moneyline: Oilers -130, Ducks +110
Oilers vs Ducks Kalshi Odds
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Oilers vs. Ducks Preview
Edmonton Oilers
All of Edmonton collectively held its breath when Connor McDavid caught an edge and had to leave Game 2, but the exit was brief and he returned shortly after.
That aside, the biggest development in this series is Edmonton's power play. Through two games, the Ducks have held the Oilers' top-ranked unit scoreless on six opportunities while tallying four special teams goals of their own.
Anaheim has gone 3-for-5 on the man advantage, and Ryan Poehling added a huge shorthanded goal off a Connor McDavid giveaway to reclaim a two-goal lead in Game 2.
It's a wild twist given that Anaheim ranked 23rd on the power play (18.6%) and 27th on the penalty kill (76.4%) during the regular season, flipping what was supposed to be a major Edmonton edge.
On top of that, the Ducks have kept McDavid off the scoresheet entirely. He has just one high-danger chance in the series and sits at a -2 through two games.
Still, Edmonton's offense has generated plenty at 5-on-5, scoring 4.85 GF/60. The power play has also created its share of looks, producing 10.73 xGF/60 at 5-on-4, which is by far the best mark of any of the 16 playoff teams. It feels like only a matter of time before those chances start going in, and McDavid gets on the scoresheet in the process.
On the goalie front, Connor Ingram wasn't terrible in Game 2, but he wasn't good either — especially after a very encouraging Game 1. Sometimes it's hard to tell whether goaltending is the real issue or just flat-out poor defensive play. It's likely a mix of both, though whoever Edmonton rolls out seems to get hung out to dry all too often.
Ingram surrendered five goals on 27 shots on Wednesday and couldn't come up with a big save when the team needed one. His rebound control was also shaky, leading to a handful of extra chances and extended zone time for Anaheim.
Through two games, he owns a -1.0 GSAx and .855 SV%, and he figures to get the nod again tonight.
Anaheim Ducks
There was a bit of a wait-and-see approach with how the Ducks would fare in the playoffs, but so far they look like they belong, posting a 54.23 xGoals% and a solid 6.27 xGA mark.
A good blend of youth and veteran leadership has worked in Anaheim's favor. Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlsson, Beckett Sennecke, and Mason McTavish headline the young core, while Mikael Granlund, Alex Killorn, Chris Kreider, John Carlson, and Jacob Trouba provide the experience.
McTavish is an especially interesting one to watch. Even with his struggles following a contract dispute this past offseason, his game should translate well to the playoffs.
At 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, he uses his frame well, plays tough defensively, and gets to the net on offense, ranking in the 73rd percentile in high-danger shots on goal during the regular season.
That skillset lines up well with what the Ducks need against a high-powered Edmonton team, and with trade rumors looming this offseason, it'll be interesting to see if he can turn around an otherwise turbulent, underwhelming year in this series.
As for tonight, the Ducks have to feel pretty good about tying things up 1-1, battling through a game full of swings and chaos on Wednesday to steal home ice advantage for the time being.
It's also a nice turnaround after limping into the playoffs with a minus-11 goal differential and a 2-6-2 record over their last 10 regular-season games. Anaheim led the league in xGF during that stretch at 40.29, but cashed in just 30 goals while allowing more than four GA/60.
In net, Lukas Dostal's numbers don't look great on paper, but I actually think he's played quite well. He has a -1.7 GSAx and .887 SV% through the first two games, though he's made several timely saves under a heavy workload.
The Oilers have outshot the Ducks 71-56, and Dostal has responded with a pair of 30+ save performances.
Oilers vs. Ducks Prediction
Dostal's save numbers feel a bit low to me.
Dostal has faced Edmonton four times this season, and those meetings have produced just under 33 shots against per game, with Dostal hitting 30 or more saves in three of them.
After a strong opening few months, his regular season did taper off, finishing with a .836 SV% and 3.82 GAA over his final six starts in April. That said, he has looked respectable in the playoffs and shaken some of the late-season struggles.
I don't have much concern about Edmonton generating enough shots to push this over, and Dostal has looked sharp enough to handle his end of the bargain.
Pick: Lukas Dostal Over 25.5 Saves 60-Minute Line (-106, FanDuel)
