Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks 2026 NHL Playoffs Series Preview, Picks, Odds

By Kody Malstrom | Apr 17, 2026, 2:30pm

It has been a turbulent year for the Edmonton Oilers who had to deal with a slew of injuries throughout the regular season, making it hard for them to keep pace with Vegas in the Pacific division standings. After coming up just short, the Oilers now face off against the Anaheim Ducks in the first round of the playoffs, pitting two explosive front lines against each other.

With the Ducks back line residing near the bottom of the board in most defensive metrics, the Oilers will be able to exploit their struggles in coverage and get off to a hot start. If their own back line can round back into competitive form, then expect the Oilers to cruise past the Ducks and stamp their ticket to the second round.

Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks Series Betting Analysis

Even after Leon Draisaitl suffered a season ending injury, Connor McDavid was able to keep the Oilers afloat, averaging 0.53 Expected Goals and 3.74 Shots on Goal per game. WIth their front line running through McDavid, the Oilers were a well oiled machine, ranking in the top-5 in Expected Goals For in All Situations and in 5-on-5 Play.

Unfortunately for the Oilers, the lack of production they receive from their defense have continued to be a thorn in their side, sitting in the bottom half of the board in Expected Goals Against. With their back line struggling in coverage, they are forced to play in highly volatile contests, making it hard for them to pull away on the scoreboard.

Even with Connor Ingram walling off Shots on Goal at a high rate, negative regression will continue to linger over him, especially once wear and tear starts to affect his legs. If Ingram is slowed down at all, then the width of the Anaheim Ducks shooting lanes in front of the crease will widen, increasing their chances of scoring.

Like the Oilers, the Ducks have also been plagued by their defense, fielding a back line who ranks 27th in Expected Goals Against in All Situations with an average of 3.36 Expected Goals Against per game. Lukas Dostal has also been unable to mask their struggles in coverage with his own protection in net, averaging 3.10 Goals Against per game and a .888 Save Percentage.

With variance harshly affecting both contenders, it’s tough to project how the later rounds of the series will go, making it worth placing a bet on the Oilers to go 2-1 in the first three games. If the Oilers start the series 2-0, you can hedge your bet on the Ducks in game three to help secure a profit. If the Ducks steal one of the first two, then let your bet ride with the Oilers projected to be a favorite on the road.

Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks Series Prediction, Pick & Best Bet

The Oilers to win to win two of the first three games is the series best bet.

Best Bet: Oilers 2-1 after three games (+100)
Series Prediction: Oilers 4-2 (+400)

Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks Series Schedule

Mon., Apr. 20 – Anaheim at Edmonton, Game 1 – 10:00 p.m./ESPN2
Wed., Apr. 22 – Anaheim at Edmonton, Game 2 – 10:00 p.m./TBS
Fri., Apr. 24 – Edmonton at Anaheim, Game 3 – 10:00 p.m./TNT
Sun., Apr. 26 – Edmonton at Anaheim, Game 4 – 9:30 p.m./ESPN
Tue., Apr. 28 – Anaheim at Edmonton, Game 5 if nec. – TBD
Thu., Apr. 30 – Edmonton at Anaheim, Game 6 if nec. – TBD
Sat., May 2 – Anaheim at Edmonton, Game 7 if nec. – TBD

Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks Series Odds

Series Winner

Oilers (-210)
Ducks (+175)

Series Spread

Oilers +1.5 (-380)
Oilers -1.5 (-105)
Oilers +2.5 (-1100)
Oilers -2.5 (+205)
Ducks +1.5 (-115)
Ducks -1.5 (+300)
Ducks +2.5 (-250)
Ducks -2.5 (+700)

Total Games

4 Games (+500)
5 Games (+250)
6 Games (+215)
7 Games (+220)

Series Score

Oilers 4-0 (+700)
Oilers 4-1 (+360)
Oilers 4-2 (+400)
Oilers 4-3 (+400)
Ducks 4-0 (+2200)
Ducks 4-1 (+1100)
Ducks 4-2 (+650)
Ducks 4-3 (+650)

Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks Series Betting Resources

Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks Series Players to Watch

Edmonton Oilers

Connor McDavid – Season Stats: 48 goals, 90 assists, +17
Zach Hyman – Season Stats: 31 goals, 21 assists, +13
Connor Ingram – Season Stats: 16-10-3, 2.60 GAA, .899 SV%

Anaheim Ducks

Cutter Gauthier – Season Stats: 41 goals, 28 assists, -2
Leo Carlsson – Season Stats: 29 goals, 38 assists, +4
Lukas Dostal – Season Stats: 30-20-4, 3.10 GAA, .888 SV%

Photo Credit: AP/Gregory Bull

Kody Malstrom

Kody is a professional sports bettor and sports betting journalist with eight years of experience in the industry. He covers a wide range of sports, including NFL, NCAAF, NBA, NCAAB, NHL, MLB, and UFC. What started as a side gig has turned into a full time job, spending a majority of his time staring at odds screens and market movement. When away from the computer, Kody enjoys spending his time outdoors relaxing at the beach or golfing with friends.