Anaheim Ducks vs Edmonton Oilers – Free NHL pick and predictions – April 24, 2026

Anaheim Ducks vs Edmonton Oilers: expect fireworks in California!

This series has already had it all: goals, comebacks and in-game swings. After two games, it is tied 1-1, and both sides have shown two very different looks, starting cautious before erupting into a full-blown shootout in Game 2. Now the series shifts to Anaheim, and the big question is simple: does the scoring spree continue, or does caution creep back in?

Anaheim: the Ducks’ bite is paying off

The Ducks learned some valuable lessons in the last meeting. They stopped playing on the back foot and turned up the aggression. It paid off straight away, with Anaheim scoring 6 goals and applying constant pressure, especially in the third period. The key factor was the ruthless edge of their special teams.

Anaheim have been ruthless at punishing mistakes, as shown by the goal they scored after a McDavid turnover. Even though the Ducks allowed 4 goals, they look very comfortable in open games. They know how to close out high-pressure contests, and that could be huge going forward. Back on home ice, they will surely try to keep the pace high and rattle the Canadian defence. It is clear Anaheim have found a way to crack the opposition regularly. If they keep converting on the power play, they will be very hard to stop. And with home advantage on their side, they will fancy taking control of the series.

Edmonton: special teams are in freefall

The Oilers are wobbling despite producing quality 5-on-5 hockey. The main issue is their special teams: a grim 0-for-4 on the power play in the last game and already 3 shorthanded goals conceded in the series. For a team with this much firepower, that kind of wastefulness is a serious red flag.

If Draisaitl keeps piling up points, McDavid’s absence from the scoresheet starts to sting. Edmonton are making too many mistakes in transition, handing the other side golden chances. The Alberta side need to tighten up defensively if they want to avoid a rough night in California.

NHL pick Ducks vs Oilers

Anaheim team total over 2.5 goals

Anaheim have shown in both opening games that they can break down Edmonton’s defence regularly, even away from home. With at least 3 goals in each game so far, the home side’s attacking momentum looks impressive.

The return to home ice should only strengthen that trend, especially against an Edmonton team that keeps getting stuck in its own end on the penalty kill. Given how open both teams have been, Anaheim finding the net at least three times looks like the most logical play.