Welcome back to NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions. Each day, writers here at Last Word On Hockey take a look at the slate of games and predict 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 3 of this first round Western Conference matchup as the Anaheim Ducks host the Edmonton Oilers with the series now tied 1-1.<\/p>\n
Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions: Edmonton Oilers vs Anaheim Ducks Game 3<\/p>\n
Series: Tied 1-1<\/p>\n
Time: 10:10 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time | 7:10 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time<\/p>\n
How to Watch<\/a> \u2013 US TV: TNT, truTV, HBO Max, Victory+, KCOP-13 | Canada TV: CBC, SN, TVAS, SN+<\/p>\n Location: Honda Center, Anaheim, California<\/p>\n Setting the Stage<\/p>\n The Anaheim Ducks return home after evening the series with a 6-4 win in Game 2<\/a>. Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers head into Game 3 searching for answers after letting momentum slip despite strong five-on-five play.<\/p>\n Credit Image: \u00a9 Ron Palmer\/SOPA Images via ZUMA Press Wire<\/p>\n However, the early stages of this series have revealed a much tighter matchup than expected. Anaheim has been able to dictate pace in stretches and generate offence from multiple sources. Conversely, Edmonton has yet to fully capitalize on its special teams advantage, which has limited its ability to separate.<\/p>\n Ultimately, Game 3<\/a> now becomes a pivot point. Both teams have demonstrated viable paths to victory, making this the first true swing game of the series<\/a>.<\/p>\n Edmonton Oilers Storylines<\/p>\n Edmonton enters Game 3 with a notable gap between process and results. The Oilers have controlled stretches of play at five-on-five, but have struggled to convert that into consistent scoring output.<\/p>\n Most notably, Connor McDavid<\/a> has yet to record a point in the series. While unusual, this is unlikely to continue given his usage and overall impact. As a result, Edmonton\u2019s offensive ceiling remains intact despite the early results.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Leon Draisaitl<\/a> has begun to assert his presence<\/a> offensively, providing stability and secondary scoring support. The Oilers continue to generate controlled entries and offensive zone time, but execution has lagged in key moments.<\/p>\n Additionally, Edmonton\u2019s power play has yet to find its rhythm. Considering its effectiveness during the regular season, this represents a significant regression candidate heading into Game 3.<\/p>\n Edmonton goal!Scored by Josh Samanski with 06:09 remaining in the 3rd period.Assisted by Jack Roslovic and Matt Savoie.Edmonton: 4Anaheim: 4#ANAvsEDM #LetsGoOilers #FlyTogether <\/p>\n \u2014 NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social)<\/a> 2026-04-23T04:37:02.879859Z<\/a><\/p>\n Anaheim Ducks Storylines<\/p>\n The Ducks enter Game 3 with a clear identity that has translated well into the postseason. They continue to push pace, generate chances, and rely on depth scoring rather than a single line to drive offence.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Leo Carlsson<\/a> remains a central figure in Anaheim\u2019s attack. His shot generation continues to stand out, providing a consistent source of offensive pressure. Additionally, Troy Terry<\/a> has maintained a strong presence in transition and offensive zone play, reinforcing his role as a primary playmaker.<\/p>\n Furthermore, Cutter Gauthier<\/a> has emerged as a legitimate finishing option. His performance in Game 2 highlighted his ability to capitalize in high-leverage moments, adding another dimension to Anaheim\u2019s offence.<\/p>\n Anaheim goal!Scored by Cutter Gauthier with 04:52 remaining in the 3rd period.Edmonton: 4Anaheim: 5#ANAvsEDM #LetsGoOilers #FlyTogether <\/p>\n \u2014 NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social)<\/a> 2026-04-23T04:41:37.541236Z<\/a><\/p>\n However, Anaheim\u2019s success has also been tied to special teams execution. Their ability to convert on the power play while limiting Edmonton\u2019s opportunities has been a key factor through two games.<\/p>\n The Model<\/p>\n The blended model incorporates projections from the in-house model, MoneyPuck, HockeyStats, and market odds with vig removed. Each component is weighted evenly to generate a final probability and corresponding fair odds.<\/p>\n The in-house model continues to favour Edmonton based on stronger finishing metrics and an established special teams advantage. Meanwhile, MoneyPuck<\/a> projects the Oilers at approximately 52.5 percent for Game 3.<\/p>\n