Oilers vs. Ducks – Series Highlights and Oilers Contributions

Photo: Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire

After six games with many ups and downs, the Anaheim Ducks have managed a slim play-by-play advantage of 3.7% over the Edmonton Oilers.

That small Duck advantage stretches to 41% at even strength, but is largely wiped out by the Oilers significant advantage on special teams.

The Oilers have a 21% advantage on the rush while the Ducks have a 61% advantage in offensive zone play (at even strength).

The Oilers have managed the puck 56% better than the Ducks, but the Ducks average 22% fewer defensive mistakes than the Oilers.

Oiler Contribution Highlights


1. Leon Draisaitl has attracted league wide attention after his five-point night in game six, but has significantly elevated his playoff performance since game five of the San Jose series. Against the Ducks he is performing 39% above his regular season average and in round one against the Sharks, he was 11% below his regular season average.

2. Connor McDavid moves first, while Draisaitl looks first. Draisaitl’s quick awareness allows his game to thrive in tighter areas while McDavid’s play thrives with a bit more room. The difference has helped Draisaitl excel in round two and slow McDavid just a bit. McDavid is currently 11% below his regular season average while his round one performance was almost identical to his regular season average.

3. Mark Letestu is contributing 94% above his regular season average in round two, much of which has been on the power play as a shooter and opportunist. He is also the second rated penalty killer among Oiler forwards.

4. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and 5. Patrick Maroon are close together in fourth and fifth, with Maroon bringing more at even strength and Nugent-Hopkins more on special teams. Nugent-Hopkins is just a fraction above his regular season average and Maroon is a bit below.


1. Kris Russell was second behind Klefbom in round one, but has jumped 24% in round two to occupy the top spot on the Oiler blueline. He is a simple but efficient puck mover and his significant contributions in closing shooting and passing lanes translates well regardless of the opposition. Not bad considering he was the last piece inserted into the Oiler blue line puzzle.

2. Adam Larsson’s strength and grit has helped him increase his contribution by 156% from round two. He is currently 29% above his season average in round two, a significant turaround from being 49% below his season average in round one against San Jose.

3. Andrej Sekera was lost for the series in game five but his average through four games slotted him third, dropping 21% from his round one performance, and 27% below his season average.

Oscar Klefbom was a surprise injury scratch for game six, but credit to the Oilers for managing very well against the Ducks with Klefbom performing below both his round one and regular season average through the first five games.

Who would have guessed the Oilers would be in game seven against the Ducks with McDavid not being the top contributing Oiler forward, and Klefbom not being among the top three contributing defensemen?

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Tags : adam larssonanaheim ducksandrej sekeraedmonton oilerskris russellleon draisaitloscar klefbom

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