With a goal and three assists in Game 1, Leon Draisaitl was the difference in the Oilers’ icebreaking victory. It was clear coming into the series that the skilled German would have to be good if the Oil had any hope of getting to the Western Conference finals but I don’t know if anyone expected him to be this good. The Ducks did an excellent job limiting Connor McDavid in the opener but they seemed to forget about everyone else. They’ll have to spread the love a little more in Game 2 if they hope to take the series to Edmonton tied at ones.
I hope you took the OVER on Leon’s series point total before the series. It looks like he could break the 5.5 number set for him before the best-of-seven swings back to Edmonton. He’ll be a major focus of Game 2 for the Quackers but if they don’t find a way to distribute their defensive efforts a little more evenly, they’ll be one step closer to duck a l’orange heading to Edmonton.
Anaheim simply took too many penalties in Game 1 and put goaltender John Gibson in a ton of bad positions. That being said, those penalties may not be avoidable. The Oilers are a much faster team than the Ducks are and they have three or four game-breakers unlike the Flames team Anaheim beat last round who had maybe two.
The Oilers are being offered as significant underdogs at most books and I think it would be foolish not to consider them. Moneyline underdogs are now 27-19 straight up this postseason after last night’s games and the Ducks haven’t proved they can beat this young and skilled squad.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
If you're backing the visiting Edmonton Oilers in this one, they Oilers listed earlier today as underdogs of 125 at most sportsbooks, including Sportsbook. Those over/under total betting saw the number open in the area of 5, depending on the book.
Odds Shark prediction models pick the Ducks to win this game 3-2.6. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NHL matchups here.
Edmonton Oilers vs Anaheim Ducks Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
50-24-13 Anaheim battles the Oilers, currently with a 52-27-10 mark. The OVER/UNDER records, important for totals bettors, are 30-37-20 for the Ducks and 35-45-9 for the Oilers. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Anaheim vs Edmonton injuries news.
The Oilers - Ducks odds would favor the Oilers if the lines were set according to our power ranks. Anaheim is rated No. 9 in the current Odds Shark poll, while Edmonton is at No. 2.
Statistical Matchup
The game also pits Anaheim's No. 15-ranked offense, averaging 2.76 goals per game, against a Oilers defense that ranks No. 9 at 2.57 goals allowed. The Ducks power play is averaging 18.82% while the Oilers defense kills off 80.56% of their penalties.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Last time out for Edmonton, they were a 5-3 Sportsbook as they battled the Ducks on the road. Moneyline bettors who got the Oilers at +120 were rewarded, while the 8 combined goals moved the game OVER for totals bettors.
Next Betting Matchups
Edmonton home to Anaheim, Sunday, April 30th