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.
Draisaitl feels healthy and is hopeful for the start of the 2026-27 campaign, Tom Gulitti of NHL.com reports Friday.
Farrell was traded to the Ducks from the Canadiens on Monday in exchange for Sasha Pastujov.
Buteyets signed a two-year contract with Traktor Chelyabinsk of the KHL on Friday and was subsequently loaned to the Shanghai Dragons, Zach Cavanagh of The Sporting Tribune reports.
Dach signed a two-year, $2.4 million contract with Edmonton on Sunday.
Hinds signed a two-year, $1.8 million contract with Anaheim on Tuesday, per PuckPedia.
Michaels signed a two-year, $1.8 million contract with Edmonton on Monday.
Mukhamadullin signed a two-year, $3.5 million contract with Edmonton on Saturday, per NHL player agent Dan Milstein.
Carlsson accepted a five-year, $90 million offer sheet with the Flyers on Friday. Anaheim has seven days to either match the contract or allow him to join Philadelphia.
Andersen signed a one-year, $1 million contract with the Oilers on Wednesday, per PuckPedia.
Jones (lower body) signed a one-year, $850,000 contract with the Oilers on Wednesday.
