Ducks vs. Oilers: Game 5 prediction

The Ducks and Oilers find themselves in an informal best-of-three series after tying through the first four games of the Western Conference semifinals.

The Anaheim Ducks bounced back in a big way on the road against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night, as they evened the series heading back home for Game 5.

Game 4 needed overtime, and the Ducks needed to survive a two-goal comeback from the Oilers late in the third, but they pulled out a much-needed victory to tie things at two games a piece.

The biggest piece to Anaheim’s game was the reemergence of Ryan Getzlaf on offense. The forward had a four-point night with two goals and two assists, including the key assist just 45 seconds into overtime on Jakob Silfverberg’s game-winner. Silfverberg now has seven goals in the playoffs, and the Ducks offense is finally clicking at the perfect time.

Another positive of Anaheim coming together on offense comes in the form of getting past Edmonton’s Cam Talbot in net for the Oilers. Talbot has seemingly returned to human form after dominating early on in the postseason, and he’ll need to get back to his former, brick-wall self before Game 5 in Anaheim on Friday night.

The Oilers also need continued scoring from Connor McDavid on offense, as he has been the shining star and has contributed to many of the team’s goals in this series. If the Ducks can fully shut him down, like they did late in Game 4, Anaheim should be all set at home.

Next: 10 reasons Stanley Cup Playoffs are better than NBA Playoffs

Prediction: Ducks 3, Oilers 2

I think the Ducks are peaking at the perfect time in such a big series, and their offense is on fire right now. They’ve figured out what works against Talbot and the Oilers defense, and need to keep up that pace in Game 5. I think the Ducks take a 3-2 win in a close, possible overtime game, and ironically take a 3-2 series lead in the process.