Ducks vs Oilers: Betting Odds, Projected Lineups, Finding Quick Solutions
By Ciara Durant
The Anaheim Ducks have challenges they must overcome tonight as they face the current first-place Pacific Division team. Can they find a quick solution to their issues?
Looking at the stats, the Edmonton Oilers are going to be a tough team to beat tonight. Their top line of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zack Kassian have produced a total of 67 points this season. Three players alone have produced half as many points as the entire Anaheim Ducks team. That alone should make the Ducks nervous for tonight’s contest.
There are many challenges that the Anaheim Ducks must overcome if they have any hopes of making it into the win column tonight. The first challenge would be the Connor McDavid line. They’re swift and skilled and will look to break up the Ducks defense and score at any opportunity. However, the Ducks cannot underestimate the other players on the team either. James Neal has had a surprisingly good season with his new team and so have both of their goaltenders.
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The Ducks’ biggest challenge tonight, however, is themselves. They have to get out of their own way and start playing cohesively again. They had a strong start against Minnesota on Tuesday but lost their spark in the last half of the game. It is imperative that they play all 60 minutes. Penalties have also been a sore subject for the group, and it’s high time that the coaching staff and management address this issue and hold their team accountable.
The Oilers have the second-best power-play unit currently in the league, behind Boston, and if the Ducks crumble and throw a parade to the penalty box, they’re going to find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place. If they can find quick solutions to their issues, the Ducks might stand a chance against the Edmonton Oilers tonight.
What You Need to Know Before Puck Drop
Game 18: Anaheim Ducks vs Edmonton Oilers
Season Record: 9-7-1
Location: Honda Center— Anaheim, California
Time: 6:00pm PST
TV: Prime Ticket, NHL App (Free Game by Navy Federal)
Radio: AM830
Tickets: Thanks to our friends at StubHub you can get your last minute tickets for tonight’s game against the Edmonton Oilers for as low as $40.
Anaheim Ducks News: The Anaheim Ducks have called up Simon Benoit from the San Diego Gulls.
Anaheim Ducks Betting Odds & Lines
The Anaheim Ducks are -125 on the Moneyline tonight, which comes as a huge surprise. However, the consensus is in agreement, and the Anaheim Ducks are the projected winners of tonight’s matchup against the Edmonton Oilers.
Despite the two disappointing losses they’ve faced over this last week, the Ducks tend to play better when they face tougher teams. The Edmonton Oilers have been a tough opponent in the past, but the Ducks have always managed to hold their own or stage a glorious comeback. Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and co. are going to be difficult opponents, but the pressure could be what the Ducks need to get their heads above water.
Weather Forecast
It is a beautiful sunny day today in Orange County. Currently 73° with 60% humidity, it is the perfect day to spend some time outside prior to puck drop to soak up some extra vitamin D!
Anaheim Ducks Projected Lineup
NHL.com has once again provided us with an inside look at what the Anaheim Ducks projected lineup against the Edmonton Oilers could look like:
"Max Comtois–Ryan Getzlaf–Ondrej KaseRickard Rakell–Adam Henrique–Jakob SilfverbergMax Jones–Sam Steel–Troy TerryNick Ritchie–Derek Grant–Carter Rowney Michael Del Zotto–Cam FowlerHampus Lindholm–Erik GudbransonJacob Larsson–Korbinian Holzer Starting Goaltender: John GibsonBackup Goaltender: Ryan Miller Healthy Scratches: Devin Shore, Nicolas Deslauriers, Simon BenoitInjuries: Ryan Kesler (LTIR), Josh Manson (Lower Body)"
Edmonton Oilers Projected Lineup
Projected lineup courtesy of NHL.com:
"Leon Draisaitl-Connor McDavid-Zack KassianJames Neal-Ryan Nugent-Hopkins–Alex ChiassonJujhar Khaira–Riley Sheahan–Josh ArchibaldMarkus Granlund–Gaetan Haas–Patrick Russell Darnell Nurse–Ethan BearOscar Klefbom–Joel PerssonKris Russell–Matt Benning Starting Goaltender: Mikko KoskinenBackup Goaltender: Mike Smith Healthy Scratches: Sam Gagner, Brandon ManningInjuries: Joakim Nygard (Ribs), Adam Larsson (Leg)"
Simon Benoit Gets His First Call Up of the Season. dark. Next
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