Ducks vs. Oilers: Game 4 prediction

Dec 3, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) battles with Anaheim Ducks defensemen Cam Fowler (4) at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) battles with Anaheim Ducks defensemen Cam Fowler (4) at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Will the Anaheim Ducks be able to build off a strong Game 3 to tie their series against the Edmonton Oilers? 

Going into Game 3 in Edmonton, the Anaheim Ducks found themselves with their backs against the wall. They had just lost two straight games at home to the Edmonton Oilers, making Sunday’s game a must win. Anaheim got a much needed win, beating the Oilers 6-3. Now they face another must win situation in Game 4 on Wednesday.

Rickard Rakell scored merely 25 seconds in the game, leading the way as Anaheim got three goals in the first 12 minutes. However, Edmonton didn’t go away quickly, as they scored the next two. Anaheim concluded the game by scoring the next three goals. Expect Game 4 to be very similar with both teams striving to get a huge win. Anaheim must learn to play better with the lead. You can’t expect to lose a three goal lead and win on a regular basis. They need to make sure Game 3 was a learning experience and not a pattern.

The Oilers must play a more complete game on Wednesday. They were able to dig themselves out of their early hole in Game 3 but weren’t able to pull off what could have been a huge win. Anaheim’s transition offense was stellar in Game 3. Stopping it will be a huge key to beating them in Game 4.

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Prediction

Game 4 could go either way. Edmonton will surely put forward a better effort than they did to start Game 3. They’ll be looking to turn the tables with a quick start of their own. Meanwhile, Anaheim will be playing a bit desperately, as they don’t want to fall behind in the series 3-1. Expect the road team to pull off a close win and send the series back to California.

Ducks beat Oilers 4-3