The Ducks vs Oilers matchup enters the playoffs, and these are the last two teams to start their series. The story is, of course, McDavid et al., with two lost finals in a row, versus a young up-and-coming team that is back in the playoffs after a 7-year drought. Should the Ducks knock out the Oilers, it would be a big upset, but one game at a time. Here’s my prediction for the first game.
Quick Pick
- Best Bet: Edmonton Oilers -1.5 at +120
- Confidence: 3 out of 5
- Win Probability: Anaheim Ducks 34% | Edmonton Oilers 66%
- Best Value Angle: Playoff experience and offensive depth give Edmonton a stronger path to a multi-goal win than the market suggests
Why This Bet Has Value
Game 1 dynamics are often priced conservatively, especially when a young team enters the playoffs with momentum. The market is giving Anaheim respect for its improvement, but may be underestimating the gap in playoff readiness and execution under pressure.
Edmonton brings two straight trips to the Final into this series and understands how to control tempo in postseason hockey. Anaheim is talented but inexperienced, and that typically shows up in defensive structure and special teams discipline. If Leon Draisaitl returns as for this game, Edmonton’s offensive ceiling increases further, creating separation potential beyond what the current line reflects.
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Anaheim Ducks vs. Edmonton Oilers
- Date & Time: April 20, 2026, 9:30 PM ET
- Venue: Rogers Place, Edmonton
- Broadcast: NHL Network
Matchup Breakdown
Key Storylines
This is a classic contrast in Game 1. Anaheim is a young, fast team making its return to the playoffs, while Edmonton is a battle-tested contender that has reached the Final in each of the past 2 seasons. That experience gap matters most early in a series, where structure and composure tend to dictate outcomes.
There is also added uncertainty around Draisaitl, who is close to returning and could be in the lineup. His presence would immediately empower Edmonton across the board and make defensive matchups far more difficult for Anaheim.
Recent Form
Edmonton closed the regular season with consistent offensive production and strong underlying control, maintaining a positive expected goal share above 53%. Anaheim showed flashes offensively but continued to give up high-quality looks, finishing with sub 45% xGF% over the final stretch. That gap in process is more predictive than surface-level results heading into the playoffs.
Goaltending
Connor Ingram is expected to start for Edmonton, while Lukas Dostal anchors Anaheim. Dostal has the ability to steal games, but he is likely to face sustained pressure. On the other end, Connor Ingram will start. Edmonton’s been using four different goalies this season, trading their former No. 1. Stuart Skinner to the Penguins in exchange for Tristan Jarry. While Ingram has proved himself (he actually started the season in AHL), he needs to be better than ever if Edmonton wants to go deep in the playoffs.
Key Skaters
Connor McDavid drives the matchup, especially in transition, where Anaheim’s defensive structure can break down. If Draisaitl plays, Edmonton can roll two elite scoring lines, a major problem for a young defensive core. While Anaheim is a young team, they also have players with a lot of experience, like Mikael Granlund, Alex Killorn, and Chris Kreider. But the points production is mainly from Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlsson, and Beckett Sennecke, who are 22, 21, and 20 years old.
This same evening, the battle of Pennsylvania continues with game 2 between the Flyers and Penguins.
Team Performance & Metrics
| Metric | Anaheim Ducks | Edmonton Oilers | Betting Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scoring | 3.23 goals per game, 13 th in NHL | 3.44 goals per game, 6th in NHL | Edge Edmonton Oilers Proven scoring translates better in playoff settings |
| Defense | 3.51 goals against per game, 29th in NHL | 3.23 goals against per game, 25th in NHL | Small Edge Oilers Both teams struggles defensively |
| Special Teams | PP 18.6%, 23rd in NHL | PP 30.1% 1st in NHL | Edge Edmonton Oilers Discipline gap favors Edmonton heavily |
| PK 76.4%, 27th in NHL | PK 77.8% 20th in NHL | Even | |
| Advanced Metric | xGF% 45% | xGF% 54% | Edge Edmonton Oilers Better territorial control and chance quality |
| Schedule Spot | Game 1 road opener | Game 1 home ice | Edge Edmonton Oilers Home control is critical early in series |
The expected script leans toward Edmonton controlling possession and forcing Anaheim into extended defensive sequences. That is where young teams tend to take penalties or lose coverage, both of which Edmonton can exploit.
Anaheim’s speed can create chances off the rush, but sustaining offense against a structured playoff opponent is a different challenge. Over 60 minutes, Edmonton’s depth and experience should tilt the game.
Market & Odds Analysis
Edmonton is priced around -210 on the moneyline, implying roughly 67% win probability. My projection is slightly lower at 66%, suggesting the moneyline is efficient.
The puckline at +120 implies about 45% probability. Given Edmonton’s scoring depth and Anaheim’s defensive profile, I project closer to 50%. That difference creates value on a multi-goal win, especially in a Game 1 where experience gaps can lead to cleaner separation.
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Anaheim Ducks +160 | Edmonton Oilers -195 |
| Total | Over 6.5 +102 |
| Puckline | Edmonton Oilers -1.5 +128 |
Key Edges
- Massive playoff experience gap favors Edmonton
- Elite power play versus undisciplined young opponent
- Potential return of Draisaitl increases offensive depth
- Home ice control in Game 1
Risk Factors
- Dostal delivering a high-end performance
- Game 1 tighter pace than expected
- Young Anaheim team playing with nothing to lose
Prediction & Verdict Ducks vs Oilers
- Best Bet: Edmonton Oilers -1.5
- Score Projection: Anaheim Ducks 2 – Edmonton Oilers 4
- Win Probability: Anaheim Ducks 34% | Edmonton Oilers 66%
- Edge: Moderate
This is a spot where playoff experience, structure, and offensive depth converge. Edmonton knows how to manage Game 1 environments, while Anaheim is still learning how to execute under postseason pressure.
If Draisaitl is in the lineup, the gap becomes even more difficult to bridge. Edmonton has multiple paths to control this game and enough firepower to turn that control into a multi-goal win.
This series could be a volatile one with plenty of goals, but as this is game 1, I think it’s gonna be tighter. I’m backing the Oilers to win game 1.
Final Score Prediction: Anaheim Ducks 2 – Edmonton Oilers 4
The Playoffs are finally here and we are offering betting predictions for every game.
