Now this series, I don't think I'll play any Under 6.5s. Two terrific offensive teams and not super-trustworthy goalies. It's is the last one to open. Edmonton has certainly flipped a switch the past two postseasons in reaching back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals. And Leon Draisaitl is expected back from his injury, which is obviously huge. The Ducks are playoff newbies and I do think that matters, especially in a Game 1 away. Lukas Dostal (his playoff debut) had a 4.06 GAA in two regular-season meetings vs. Edmonton. Anaheim slumped big-time down the stretch. I'm simply incapable of playing -1.5 in the NHL postseason (if ever) so instead will up the wager.

Anaheim ranked 29th in defense & 28th in high-danger chances against. Edmonton has the NHL's top power play, is 8th in high-danger chances, and 6th in goals scored. Since the Ducks commit a lot of penalties, Edmonton should get frequent power plays against Anaheim's 6th-worst PK unit. Edmonton also possesses a significant face-off advantage, scoring 4, 5, and 7 goals in their three meetings. On the road, Anaheim finished 19-20-2 with a -21 goal differential; 15 of those 20 regulation road losses were by 2 or more goals. The Oilers have averaged 3.9 goals per game at home over the past six seasons. The Ducks haven’t reached the postseason in eight years, and opening the playoffs in Edmonton seems like a tough spot.