Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks, Game 4
Anaheim Ducks at Edmonton Oilers Western Conference semifinal Game 4, 8 p.m. MT, TV: Sportsnet, Radio: 630 CHED
IN THE TANK
Oilers: Full — Oilers need to gain a home-ice split to keep the upper hand in this series.
Ducks: Full — Two days off between games allows both teams to recharge their batteries.
WHO TO WATCH
Oilers: Mark Letestu
He’s tied for the Oilers team lead with three goals in the playoffs, all on the power play, and has been a workhorse in the faceoff circle. Oilers need another strong game from their veteran centre as they try to stake a 3-1 series lead.
Ducks: Jakob Silfverberg Anaheim’s winger had three points last game to bring his total to eight in seven playoff games this year. He has four goals and an assist in the three games against Edmonton so far. Oilers might want to rein this guy in.
WORTH NOTING
The Oilers haven’t lost backto-back games at home since March 12. They are 11-2 in their last 13 games at Rogers Place … Jordan Eberle has two assists and has a plus/minus -4 in nine playoff games. He was still on the second line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Milan Lucic at practice Tuesday. All of the other lines from the last game remained intact … Anaheim defenceman Hampus Lindholm was +5 in Sunday’s 6-3 win. Brandon Montour was +4 … The Oilers have gone 36, 36 and 42 per cent in the faceoff circle through the first three games of the series, although Letestu went 12-7 last game … Anaheim has an all-time record of 17-9 in Game 4s … Oilers goalie Cam Talbot has only lost two games in a row three times since Jan. 1 … Ryan Getzlaf is one goal away from tying Ducks great Teemu Selanne for all-time playoff goals with 35.
INJURIES
Oilers: RW Tyler Pitlick (knee) Ducks: D Simon Despres (concussion), D Clayton Stoner (abdominal surgery), Kevin Bieksa (knee), RW Patrick Eaves (day-to-day, foot)
MATCHUPS
Forwards: Ducks — The Ducks put up six goals on Edmonton last game.
Defence: Oilers — They’ve been under siege, but still healthier and deeper.
Goaltending: Ducks — John Gibson definitely won the goaltending battle last time out.
Power play: Ducks — Ducks clicking at 20.8 per cent in the playoffs so far.
Penalty kill: Oilers — Ducks improving, but still have worst percentage of all remaining teams.
Intangibles: Oilers — Oilers know they can’t let a 2-0 series lead slip away.
Overall: Oilers — Oilers find a way to get their split on home ice.