NHL playoffs 2017: Ducks vs. Oilers preview and prediction
The Anaheim Ducks and Edmonton Oilers will meet in the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs. How will the series play out?
Two of the top teams in the Western Conference went down in the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs. After the eliminations of the Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild, the remaining top two seeds are the Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks.
The two Pacific Division rivals will square off in the second round. This is the type of matchup that should be in the Western Conference Finals. But now fans get to see it a little bit earlier.
Anaheim enters the series as the top remaining seed in the Western Conference. They’re well rested, as they swept the Calgary Flames in the first round. This time, Anaheim will face a much more worthy adversary. Led by Ryan Kesler, John Gibson, Rickard Rakell and Ryan Getzlaf, they hope to match Edmonton’s speed and shut them down defensively.
RELATED: Updated Stanley Cup bracket
On the other side of the ice, the Oilers are coming off a series win over the San Jose Sharks in six games. Captain Connor McDavid is the likely Hart Trophy winner. He leads an impressive offense that can score goals in bunches. They rely heavily on their speed. Cam Talbot has emerged as one of the best goalies in the NHL. Oscar Klefbom has been phenomenal so far in the postseason.
Next: Each NHL Team's Biggest 'What If' Moment
Prediction
Edmonton is one heck of a team and has a bright future. However, Anaheim hasn’t lost in a very long time. Granted, their extended break might be the last thing a team who hasn’t lost in over a month needed. But Anaheim has been playing excellent hockey and they’re on a roll. Edmonton has their work cut out for them, but they should make it very close.
Ducks beat Oilers in seven games.