NHL Playoffs Odds: 2nd Round Expert Predictions for Anaheim

When the 2017 NHL playoffs began, it was the Chicago Blackhawks who were considered the favorites to represent the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup Final. Their dramatic sweep at the hands of the Nashville Predators has left the door wide open in this conference, and there are many hockey fans who believe that that Anaheim Ducks are ready to walk right through it. The opened their playoff campaign with a sweep of the Calgary Flames, which has allowed them time to rest up and heal heading into the second round. It will be another familiar opponent in Round 2, as the Ducks will go up against the upstart Edmonton Oilers, another team out of the Pacific Division. The Ducks should be considered favorites to move on here, but let’s take a closer look at the following NHL betting picks here.

A Closer Look At The 2017 NHL Playoffs 2nd Round Expert Predictions For The Ducks

Head to Head Versus the Edmonton Oilers

These two teams hooked up 5 times during the regular season, with the Anaheim Ducks putting together a 2-1-2 record versus the Oilers. Of the 5 games played, it was the home team that came up with the win 4 times, which would appear to swing things in the favor of the Ducks. That said, the Oilers were the only team to get a win on the road, so don’t expect Anaheim to take anything for granted in their own building. It would be a bit of a surprise if this thing turned into a shootout, as the 5 games between these two teams resulted in a total of 25 goals. I expect the games in this one to be tight in nature, and would not be stunned to see OT become a regular feature in this series.

Playoff Experience

It’s worth remembering that the Anaheim Ducks were just one win away from going to the Stanley Cup Final two years ago. Their first round exit last season led them to make some roster changes that resulted in them winning the Pacific Division this year, and having a squad that would be more playoff ready than they were last season. Compare that to the Edmonton Oilers, who went 10 straight seasons without a playoff appearance before getting in this year. While they are an exciting your group comprised of first round draft picks from those barren years, they are still shy on postseason experience.

Goalie Head to Head

There is very little difference between the two starting goalies in this series. John Gibson of the Ducks has one shaky game in the opening round, where he was hooked early, but was otherwise solid, putting together a .926 save percentage. It was a very similar story for Cam Talbot of the Oilers. He was shelled in a 7-0 Sharks win in Game 3 of the series, but overall still managed to post a .927 save percentage.

Anaheim Ducks Second Round Prediction

This series is likely to hinge on how well Ryan Kesler can shut down Connor McDavid. If he can nullify the main threat that the Oilers have in their arsenal, it’s the Ducks series to lose.