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P.K. Subban has endorsed the Anaheim Ducks as the stronger team over the Edmonton Oilers ahead of Game 5, citing their structure and consistency. He acknowledged previously favoring the Oilers due to star players Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl but believes team balance is crucial in this matchup.
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P. K. Subban has stirred debate ahead of Game 5, backing the Anaheim Ducks as the stronger side over the Edmonton Oilers despite earlier predictions. Speaking on âThe Jim Rome Show,â Subban praised Anaheimâs overall structure and consistency in the NHL playoff series.
Subban admitted he had often picked Edmonton in past years because of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. However, he stressed that team balance matters more in this matchup.
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âI think Anaheimâs a better team,â Subban said. âEven though I picked Edmonton to win, letâs get one thing straight. Iâve picked Edmonton to win series over the past couple of years because of two players, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Thatâs how great these two guys have been since theyâve been in the league.
âBut if youâre evaluating a team, you look at Anaheim going into the series, we knew that Anaheim was very much capable of beating Edmonton in this series.â
The Ducks hold a 3-1 lead after a 4-3 overtime win in Game 4 at Honda Center. The Oilers won game 1, but they have lost three straight after that. Despite having the initial lead in each of those games, the Oilersâ defense has collapsed against the Ducks.
So far, the series has produced 35 goals, showing attacking intent from both teams.
âItâs not over yet,â Subban said. âThereâs a lot of hockey left to be played, and Anaheim has to show that they can win that, the hardest game to win of them all. And when you think about it, you got the best player in the world on the other side, whoâs dwindling right now, right? His seasonâs dwindling. So I would expect Edmontonâs play to ratchet up.â
Draisaitl leads Edmontonâs offense with seven points, while McDavid has four. Despite their star power, the Oilers have struggled to control games late.
Subban cites the Ducks' overall structure and consistency as key factors that make them the stronger team in the playoff series.
Subban acknowledged that he has often picked the Oilers in the past due to the exceptional talents of McDavid and Draisaitl.
Game 5 is crucial as it could determine the momentum and potential outcome of the playoff series between the Ducks and Oilers.
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Meanwhile, Anaheimâs offense has been spread across the lineup. Mikael Granlund, Leo Carlsson, and Troy Terry have all contributed. Cutter Gauthier leads the team with 3 goals, while Alex Killorn adds experience.
Subban pointed to Anaheimâs defensive shape and timely scoring as the top differences, while crediting head coach Joel Quenneville for organizing the team effectively.
âBut give Anaheim credit,â Subban said. âFrom the defense out, the way that they defended, their goaltending, their composure, their timely scoring, and then the coaching. Joel Quenneville to come in and do such a spectacular job with this team, and put this team together, and have them really on the brink of eliminating the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the playoffs is pretty substantial.
âSo, you have to give a hats off to Anaheim. I know thereâs controversy on the goal, but to me, Anaheim has been the better team.â
Edmonton enters Game 5 under pressure at Rogers Place. McDavidâs influence remains central, as the Oilers need to respond with urgency and raise their level.