Anaheim Draws Even With Oilers

Before the second round of the NHL playoffs, the Anaheim Ducks and Edmonton Oilers took a backseat to Pittsburgh vs. Washington. Four games into each series, it’s easy to tell the Oilers and Ducks have definitely been more entertaining. That’s not to say that Washington won’t liven things up in the East, but Edmonton series has been a good one.

The Ducks tied the series at 2-2 on Wednesday, winning in overtime by a 4-3 score. Just as was the case in the first three games, the road team won again. They’re now 4-0 in this series and Game 5 will be in Anaheim.

After the first two games the Ducks were huge underdogs. Now that they’ve tied it up, they’re back to being favorites at -140 for Friday’s game and -135 to win the series. But home ice hasn’t meant a thing so far in the series, which will likely go seven games.

The Capitals blew a golden chance to tie their series with the Penguins. Even without Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang and company, Pittsburgh found a way to win. Nick Bonino’s selling of a penalty that was called, but didn’t happen, eliminated the Caps’ chance for the extra attacker at the end of the game.

The Penguins came out and played smart hockey and didn’t let emotions get the best of them. Not so much for the Capitals, who saw their starts Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom stay invisible. Barry Trotz said his team needed more from it’s best players. It’s hard to argue with the guy, as Ovechkin scored in the opening game and that was the last goal between the two of them.

With Crosby’s status unknown for Saturday’s Game 5, there is currently no line on the game or series. But the Capitals will be favorites Saturday regardless if Crosby plays or not.