P.K. Subban picks Ducks as ‘the better team’ over Oilers before Game 5

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 “The Jim Rome Show,” Subban praised Anaheim’s 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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“I think Anaheim’s a better team,” Subban said. “Even though I picked Edmonton to win, let’s get one thing straight. I’ve picked Edmonton to win series over the past couple of years because of two players, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. That’s how great these two guys have been since they’ve been in the league.

“But if you’re 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.”

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 Oilers’ defense has collapsed against the Ducks.

So far, the series has produced 35 goals, showing attacking intent from both teams.

“It’s not over yet,” Subban said. “There’s 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, who’s dwindling right now, right? His season’s dwindling. So I would expect Edmonton’s play to ratchet up.”

Draisaitl leads Edmonton’s offense with seven points, while McDavid has four. Despite their star power, the Oilers have struggled to control games late.

Coach Joel Quenneville received praise for the Ducks’ toughness against the Oilers