On Tuesday night, ice hockey fans can expect a jam-packed NHL programme, with 13 games on the slate. The Edmonton Oilers travel to California to meet the Anaheim Ducks. Will the Oilers book an important win in their battle for a guaranteed play-off ticket?
Anaheim Ducks: a disappointing season
While many teams are still fighting for a ticket to the play-offs at this stage of the season, that cannot be said about the Anaheim Ducks. The hockey team is currently fourteenth in the Western Conference and seventh in the crowded Pacific Division. In order to get one of the wildcard tickets, there is still a gap of fourteen points to overcome, which is almost an impossible task.
While John Gibson has always proved to be a strong keeper for the Ducks in recent years, the goalie can't stand out this season. With him in the net, Anaheim concedes an average of 3.01 goals per match and with a save percentage of .901 he belongs to the least performing goalies of the NHL. Last Sunday, Anaheim played a home game against the Vegas Golden Knights. The hockey team faced a 5-3 deficit late in the third period, but thanks to two goals by Adam Henrique, overtime had to determine a winner. In the end, the Golden Knights salvaged a 6-5 OT win and booked their sixth straight win.
Edmonton Oilers: McDavid returned in fashion
One of the winners of the trade deadline are the Edmonton Oilers. The hockey team is still fighting for a guaranteed play-off ticket in the Pacific Division, but know that when they actually manage to make the play-offs, not only can they count on the super duo McDavid and Draisaitl. Through a trade deal they landed Andreas Athanasiou from the Detroit Red Wings. The winger was good for thirty goals last season and with his speed is a great weapon for the Oilers in the remaining season.
Edmonton had to miss Connor McDavid for the last six games, but he didn't miss a beat in his return on Sunday against the Los Angels Kings. McDavid scored once and gave two assists in and 4-2 home against the lowly Kings. With their captain back on the ice and the necessary reinforcements it will be interesting to see if the Oilers can compete for the division title in the Pacific. They are only three points behind the division leading Vegas Golden Knights and still have has two games in hand.
Edmonton in regulation
The Edmonton Oilers perform better outdoors this season (18-12-2) than the familiar Rogers Place (15-10-5). The saying: 'The best defense is a good offense' applies to the Oilers and coach Dave Tippett has the disposal of a duo, which are elite sharp shooters with McDavid and Draisaitl. The defensive of the Ducks have played poorly this season and I just don't see them stop the attack-minded Oilers. The team total Edmonton Oilers Over 3.5 Team Goals @ 2.23 also looks interesting, but a bet on Edmonton to win in regulation looks the better pick to me.
