Anaheim Ducks vs. Edmonton Oilers: Game 6 prediction

The Anaheim Ducks head back to Rogers Arena for Game 6, where they look to eliminate the Edmonton Oilers from the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Home-ice advantage is supposed to be a thing that exists, just do not tell Edmonton Oilers or Anaheim Ducks.  After the first four games of the series, neither team has won on home ice. In Game 5, Anaheim ended the streak and defeated Edmonton in double overtime at home to take their first series lead. The loss leaves Edmonton one loss away from elimination.

The NHL playoff series resumes on Sunday with the Duck heading to Rogers Place looking to steal a third road game from the Oilers to advance to the Western Conference Final. Edmonton will be hoping they can rediscover home-ice advantage in Game 6.

Neither John Gibson for Anaheim or Cam Talbot in net for Edmonton have been particularly good in the playoffs. Both goalies have been rather average, both have posted save percentages under 92 percent. If Edmonton wants to force Game 7, they need Talbot to outplay Gibson.

Game 5 will be won by the team who has their top scorers show up and deliver. Edmonton may have the two best offensive players in the series in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, but Anaheim certainly has more scoring depth top to bottom. Additionally, there may not be a hotter offensively player than Ducks’ captain Ryan Getzlaf, who has scored eight goals and added seven assists in nine games.

Next: 30 best NHL goaltenders of all time

Ultimately, the Ducks have too much offensive firepower for the upstart Oilers to deal with. In addition to their stronger offense, Anaheim also has a better defensive unit. The Oilers first playoff appearance since 2006 comes to an end after Game 6. Getzlaf continues his strong post-season, finding his way onto the box scoring again with a multi-point game. The Regina native is one of the Conn Smythe Trophy favorites.

Prediction: Anaheim-5, Edmonton-4