Edmonton At Anaheim NHL Game 2 Expert Predictions

In hockey, we have countless stats to draw from when trying to determine how things will play out when teams go head to head. While those stats are still important when the playoffs role around, there are also certain intangibles that come into play when handicapping series. One of those would definitely be playoff experience, as the general rule of thumb dictates that a team filled with playoff veterans will be better equipped to handle the rigors of playoff hockey than a team that is lacking in experience. Someone may want to tell that to the Edmonton Oilers, as they are starting to look like the playoff veterans, even though the franchise has not seen postseason hockey in a decade. Maybe we have it all wrong, and maybe it is better not to have that experience, as it means you take very playoff game as you would an average game in the middle of the regular season. The Oilers are quickly becoming a team to watch, and they will have the opportunity to go up 2-0 in the series versus the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night. Find the latest NHL betting picks here.

Analyzing The Oilers At Ducks NHL Game 2 Expert Predictions

When: Friday, April 28 at 10:30 PM ESTWhere: Honda Center, AnaheimTV: NBCSNLive Stream: NHL.TVNHL Odds: Anaheim Ducks -1½ (+220)  

Why bet on the Edmonton Oilers

The feeling was that the Oilers would go as far as Connor McDavid would carry them in the playoffs, which seemed like a problem for them in this series. Ryan Kesler of the Ducks is one of the better players in the league at shutting down the big stars on the ice, and while McDavid was held to a single assist in a 5-3 Game 1 win, the Oilers proved that they have more than enough scoring to go around. The Oilers still have moment when they look horribly inexperienced, and it happened in Game 1 when they appeared to switch off after taking a 3-1 lead. They let the Ducks tie things up before regaining control, but they are going to need to quickly learn how to put teams away when they have the chance.

Why bet on the Anaheim Ducks

Sweeping the Flames in the opening round of the playoffs may not have served the Ducks very well, as they looked a little rusty in the early stages of Game 1 versus the Oilers. You need to give this team credit for digging out of a hole in that game, even though they were unable to complete the comeback and get the win. Perhaps there was too much focus put on shutting down Connor McDavid in that opening game, as a lot of other Oilers players seemed to have all the space in the world at times. I expect the Ducks to adjust the plan a little in Game 2, as they really need the win to get back in this series.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

If the Ducks were indeed carrying a little rust into the opening game, then it should be well and truly shaken off now. I expect a better al around effort from them in Game 2, and I like the Ducks to level the series.

Edmonton Oilers 2 Anaheim Ducks 4