{"id":488869,"date":"2026-04-20T07:48:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T11:48:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=488869"},"modified":"2026-04-20T07:48:21","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T11:48:21","slug":"2026-nhl-stanley-cup-playoff-predictions-ducks-vs-oilers-game-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/04\/20\/2026-nhl-stanley-cup-playoff-predictions-ducks-vs-oilers-game-1\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: Round 1, Game 1, 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs with Anaheim Ducks vs Edmonton Oilers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey<\/em> takes a look at the slate of games and predicts 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 1 of a compelling Western Conference matchup as the Anaheim Ducks visit the Edmonton Oilers. The Ducks are back in the postseason for the first time in years, while the Oilers enter with legitimate Stanley Cup expectations.<\/p>\n

NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions: Anaheim Ducks vs Edmonton Oilers Game 1<\/h2>\n

Regular Season Series:<\/strong> EDM won 2\u20131<\/p>\n

Time: <\/strong>10:10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time | 7:10 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time<\/p>\n

How to watch<\/strong><\/a>– US TV<\/strong>: ESPN+, ESPN2, Victory+, KCOP-13 | Canada TV:<\/strong> CBC, SN, TVAS, SN+<\/h3>\n

Location:<\/strong> Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta<\/p>\n

Setting the Stage<\/h2>\n

The Anaheim Ducks<\/a> (43-33-6) arrive in the playoffs after a turbulent finish, going just 2-6-2 in their final ten games. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers<\/a> (41-30-11) closed the season in strong form and once again enter as a contender led by elite talent.<\/p>\n

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Credit Image: \u00a9 Mickey Bernal\/ZUMA Wire<\/span><\/p>\n

However, this matchup hinges on stylistic contrast. The Ducks thrive in high-event games, generating and allowing chances at one of the highest rates in the league. Conversely, the Oilers have evolved into a more structured team while maintaining their elite offensive ceiling.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, Game 1 carries outsized importance. Anaheim\u2019s series odds jump significantly with an opening win, while Edmonton aims to assert control early at home. Ultimately, this game will be decided by whether Anaheim can survive Edmonton\u2019s special teams and whether they can convert their 5-on-5 chances at a higher rate than usual.<\/p>\n

Anaheim Ducks Storylines<\/h2>\n

The Ducks\u2019 identity is clear. They push pace, generate chances, and rely on their young offensive core to drive results. Leo Carlsson<\/a>, Cutter Gauthier<\/a>, and Troy Terry<\/a> headline a group that helped Anaheim jump to 13th in goals per game this season.<\/p>\n

However, their strengths come with trade-offs. Anaheim allowed one of the highest goal totals in the league, reflecting their high-risk style. While their underlying metrics such as expected goals and shot share are strong, their finishing and defensive execution remain inconsistent.<\/p>\n

Moreover, goaltending remains a question. Lukas Dostal<\/a> posted an .888 save percentage and enters the playoffs needing to elevate his game. If he cannot outperform expectations, Anaheim\u2019s margin for error disappears quickly.<\/p>\n

For the Ducks to win, they must lean into their identity. They need to create chaos, generate volume, and avoid extended defensive-zone time against Edmonton\u2019s top unit.<\/p>\n

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Anaheim goal!Scored by Beckett Sennecke with 13:07 remaining in the 3rd period.Assisted by John Carlson and Jackson LaCombe.Edmonton: 3Anaheim: 1#ANAvsEDM #LetsGoOilers #FlyTogether<\/p>\n

— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social)<\/a> 2026-03-28T21:51:01.674119Z<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n