Welcome back to NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions. Each day, writers here at Last Word On Hockey take a look at the slate of games and predict the outcome. This and other series can be found in the NHL Predictions section. In this edition of Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions, we shift to Game 2 of this first round Western Conference matchup as the Anaheim Ducks look to respond against the Edmonton Oilers after a narrow Game 1 loss.

Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions: Anaheim Ducks vs Edmonton Oilers Game 2

Series: EDM leads 1-0

Time: 10:10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time | 7:10 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time

How to Watch – US TV: TBS, HBO Max, Victory+, KCOP-13 | Canada TV: CBC, SN, TVAS, SN+

Location: Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta

Setting the Stage

Credit Image: © Peter Joneleit/Cal Sport Media

The Anaheim Ducks enter Game 2 down 1–0 in the series after a 4–3 loss that felt far closer than expected. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers secured the win, but not in their usual fashion.

However, Game 1 told a more nuanced story. Anaheim generated offence, dictated stretches at five-on-five, and most importantly held Connor McDavid off the scoresheet. That combination typically leads to wins. Instead, the Ducks left the door open. Furthermore, their third-period approach shifted noticeably as they sat back protecting the lead, allowing Edmonton to regain control. That adjustment proved costly.

Ultimately, Game 2 now carries a different tone. Anaheim is no longer trying to prove it belongs. Instead, it must prove it can close.

Anaheim Ducks Storylines

The Ducks executed large parts of their game plan in Game 1. They pushed pace, generated chances, and received high-end production from their top players. Troy Terry led the way with three points, reinforcing his importance in this series.

Power play goal for Anaheim!Scored by Troy Terry with 05:31 remaining in the 2nd period.Assisted by John Carlson and Mikael Granlund.Edmonton: 2Anaheim: 3#ANAvsEDM #LetsGoOilers #FlyTogether

— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-04-21T04:06:59.525133Z

Meanwhile, Leo Carlsson continued to drive offence at an elite level. He recorded double-digit shots in Game 1, which almost feels excessive to even write. However, the underlying takeaway remains clear. His volume is real, repeatable, and central to Anaheim’s attack.

However, Anaheim’s issue was situational. Once ahead, they drifted away from their identity. Rather than continuing to pressure, they allowed Edmonton to dictate play late.

Furthermore, goaltending remains a swing factor. Lukas Dostal was solid but not game-stealing. Against a team like Edmonton, that margin matters.

If Anaheim wants to even the series, the formula does not change. However, the execution must.

Edmonton Oilers Storylines

The Oilers won Game 1 without their biggest weapon fully firing. Connor McDavid did not record a point, marking the first time all season Edmonton won a game without him contributing offensively. That is unlikely to happen again.

Meanwhile, Edmonton’s depth stepped up in meaningful ways. Secondary scoring and contributions from across the lineup helped offset a quieter night from their stars.

However, the bigger story remains structural. The Oilers stayed patient, leaned on their systems, and capitalized when Anaheim pulled back. That ability to control momentum late is a defining trait.

Additionally, Edmonton will be without Adam Henrique in Game 2 due to a lower-body injury. While not a top-line player, his absence impacts depth and faceoff versatility.

Furthermore, Leon Draisaitl returned to the lineup in Game 1 and immediately made his presence felt, with no moment more tangible than his power-skill zone entry that set up the game-winning goal. That is the kind of game-breaking play a player of his calibre is capable of.

Edmonton goal!Scored by Kasperi Kapanen with 01:54 remaining in the 3rd period.Assisted by Vasily Podkolzin and Leon Draisaitl.Edmonton: 4Anaheim: 3#ANAvsEDM #LetsGoOilers #FlyTogether

— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-04-21T05:01:36.850246Z

Ultimately, the Oilers still hold the advantage. And now, they have already shown they can win in multiple ways.

The Model

The blended model incorporates projections from the in-house model, MoneyPuck, HockeyStats, and market odds with vig removed. Each component is weighted evenly to generate a final probability and corresponding fair odds.

The in-house model continues to favour Edmonton due to superior finishing profiles and a clear special teams edge. Meanwhile, MoneyPuck projects the Oilers around 61 percent for Game 2.

HockeyStats aligns closely, again showing Edmonton with a stronger expected goal output driven by power play efficiency and sustained offensive pressure.

After removing market vig from the -190 range and blending all inputs, Edmonton lands between 60 and 62 percent. Fair odds project closer to -150 to -155, indicating the market remains slightly inflated.

Ultimately, the model shows consistency. Game 1 did not change the underlying edge.

Stanley Cup Playoff Prediction

Anaheim showed it can compete in this series. However, it also may have missed a golden opportunity.

Holding Connor McDavid off the scoresheet and still losing is not a formula that tends to repeat in a favourable direction. Meanwhile, Edmonton’s ability to stay composed and capitalize late suggests a team that understands how to manage playoff moments.

Furthermore, if the Oilers receive even average production from their top players, the balance tilts further.

Prediction: Edmonton Oilers win 4–3 (Model Probability: ~61%)

Stanley Cup Playoff Prediction Record: 1–0

Prop Bets of the Night

Leo Carlsson over 2.5 shots (-130) remains the most stable angle in this matchup. After putting up ten shots in Game 1, the number almost feels disrespectfully low at this point. His role and usage continue to support consistent volume.

Meanwhile, Connor McDavid to score a goal (-150) presents a clear bounce-back opportunity. A player of his calibre rarely goes quiet in consecutive playoff games, especially after a win where he was not involved.

Additionally, Troy Terry to record a point (-140) remains viable given his chemistry and usage in high-event situations. He proved in Game 1 that he can exploit this matchup.

Stanley Cup Playoff Betting Record: 2–1 (+0.64 units)

All line combinations and goaltenders are subject to change. Always check team reports prior to puck drop.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Please bet responsibly.

Main photo: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images