{"id":488849,"date":"2026-04-20T07:55:50","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T11:55:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=488849"},"modified":"2026-04-20T07:37:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T11:37:39","slug":"2026-stanley-cup-playoffs-western-conference-first-round-preview-anaheim-ducks-edmonton-oilers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/04\/20\/2026-stanley-cup-playoffs-western-conference-first-round-preview-anaheim-ducks-edmonton-oilers\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Western Conference First Round Preview: Anaheim Ducks vs Edmonton Oilers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Here at Last Word On Hockey<\/em>, we will preview<\/a> and review all of the series from the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. In every series, we aim to deliver at least three articles throughout the series: a preview, a mid-series analysis, and a recap. Today, we shift our focus to the Edmonton Oilers vs Anaheim Ducks. After years of familiar playoff paths, Edmonton draws a new opponent in a young, high-event Anaheim group. Meanwhile, the Ducks return to the postseason for the first time since 2018, arriving earlier than expected<\/a> and with nothing to lose.<\/p>\n

Ducks vs Oilers Preview: 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round<\/h2>\n

The Edmonton Oilers<\/a> and Anaheim Ducks meet in the opening round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs in a matchup that should produce goals, chaos, and momentum swings. Edmonton enters with home-ice advantage and championship expectations after back-to-back deep playoff runs to the Cup Finals. Meanwhile, Anaheim arrives as one of the league\u2019s most entertaining young teams, powered by speed and offensive creativity.<\/p>\n

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Credit Image: \u00a9 Ringo Chiu via ZUMA Wire<\/span><\/p>\n

However, the contrast in experience and structure is hard to ignore. The Oilers know exactly what this time of year demands. Meanwhile, the Ducks are still figuring it out in real time. That combination tends to produce entertaining hockey, but not always favourable results for the younger side.<\/p>\n

Series Overview<\/h2>\n

This series sets up as a classic clash between elite star power and emerging depth. Edmonton will lean heavily on Connor McDavid<\/a> and Leon Draisaitl<\/a>, who remain the most dangerous duo in hockey and can take over a series almost on command. Draisaitl is listed as day-to-day and remains uncertain but likely for Game 1, a status that looms large given his ability to tilt the series alongside McDavid if fully healthy. Meanwhile, Anaheim counters with a wave of young offensive talent led by Leo Carlsson<\/a>, Cutter Gauthier<\/a>, and Beckett Sennecke<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, both teams play a high-event style that should create a track meet. Anaheim generates chances at an elite rate, particularly off the rush, and has leaned into that identity all season. However, that same approach has exposed significant defensive gaps, especially in their own zone.<\/p>\n

On the other side, Edmonton has quietly improved its defensive structure down the stretch. While still imperfect, the Oilers are no longer relying solely on outscoring problems. That shift could be the difference in a series where both teams are capable of putting up goals in bunches.<\/p>\n

Series Odds, Models, and Predictions<\/h2>\n

All available signals point clearly toward Edmonton.<\/p>\n

The Athletic\u2019s model<\/a> gives the Oilers roughly a 70 percent chance to win the series, reflecting both talent disparity and playoff track record. Meanwhile, HockeyStats<\/a> projects a similar outcome at approximately 67 percent in favour of Edmonton. MoneyPuck<\/a> is slightly more conservative but still leans Oilers, generally placing them around the 60 percent range depending on series length.<\/p>\n

Additionally, the betting market reinforces that view. Sportsbooks list Edmonton as a \u2212220 favourite, which implies roughly a 69 percent chance to advance. Anaheim sits at +180, a clear underdog despite a strong regular season.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, front-office sentiment aligns with the numbers. League executives<\/a> have consistently placed Edmonton in a higher competitive tier, while Anaheim is viewed as a dangerous but flawed team with clear defensive concerns .<\/p>\n

Taken together, this is one of the more consensus-leaning matchups of the first round.<\/p>\n

Oilers vs Ducks Season Series Recap<\/h2>\n

The Oilers took the regular season series 2\u20131, with each game showcasing the same themes expected in this matchup. Edmonton\u2019s top-end talent consistently created high-danger chances, while Anaheim found ways to generate offence of its own through speed and transition play.<\/p>\n

However, even in Anaheim\u2019s win, the margin for error was thin. The Ducks needed strong offensive execution to overcome defensive lapses, a pattern that has followed them throughout the season.<\/p>\n

The Ducks\u2019 Keys to Victory<\/h2>\n
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  1. Win the Track Meet: <\/strong>Anaheim cannot play a controlled, low-event series. Instead, they must lean into their identity and push the pace. If this becomes a structured, half-ice game, Edmonton has the clear advantage.<\/li>\n
  2. Dost\u00e1l Must Steal Games<\/strong>: Luk\u00e1\u0161 Dost\u00e1l<\/a> has the ability to elevate, but he must be consistently excellent. Given Anaheim\u2019s defensive profile, average goaltending will not be enough.<\/li>\n
  3. Limit the Damage, Not the Stars<\/strong>: Connor McDavid will produce. That is unavoidable. However, Anaheim must prevent secondary scoring from taking over. If the Oilers\u2019 depth contributes consistently, this series will end quickly.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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    Anaheim goal!Scored by Cutter Gauthier with 10:19 remaining in the 3rd period.Assisted by Jeffrey Viel and John Carlson.Edmonton: 3Anaheim: 2#ANAvsEDM #LetsGoOilers #FlyTogether<\/p>\n

    — NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social)<\/a> 2026-03-28T21:57:04.997906Z<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n