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Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks: Game 7 prediction

By Adam Stocker

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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The Edmonton Oilers blew out the Anaheim Ducks at home to force game 7, with the winner going to the Western Conference Finals.

The Edmonton Oilers blew the doors off of the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 winning 7-1. Leon Draisaitl recorded a hat-trick and added two assists. The Ducks were forced to pull John Gibson after he allowed three goals on six shots in the 8:25 into the game. Going into Game 7, Anaheim has no idea what to expect from Gibson in net. After being pulled twice in the playoffs, Gibson could be fantastic in Game 7 or absolutely awful. There is even a chance that head coach Randy Carlyle starts Jonathan Bernier.

Surprisingly Connor McDavid did not record a point in Game 6. If Edmonton is going to advance they are going to need McDavid to produce offensively and get another great game from goalie Cam Talbot. In Game 6, Mark Letestu came out of nowhere to score twice and added two assists. If Edmonton can get another multi-point performance from a player in their bottom six forwards they will likely win.

Anaheim needs to start Game 7 by controlling the pace of play. After giving up three very soft goals, the Ducks need to ease Gibson into the game. The Ducks need to be better defensively and force Edmonton to shots from outside of the slot. With the series not resuming until Wednesday, May 10, Anaheim will hope they can get Kevin Bieksa into the lineup.

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Prior to Game 6, the Oilers announced that defenseman Andrej Sekera would miss the rest of the series with an injury. Edmonton may have Oscar Klefbom back for Game 7. Either way, expect the Ducks to put a lot of pressure on the Oilers defense. Home-ice advantage should be an advantage for the Ducks. Home crowds usually allow for a fast start for the home team. Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry are the last players remaining from Anaheim’s Stanley Cup-winning team, but the Ducks will need Jakob Silfverberg or Rickard Rakell to step up.

Prediction: Anaheim 3, Edmonton 2 in overtime

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