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.
Meanwhile, Anaheim’s 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 Anaheim’s defensive shape and timely scoring as the top differences, while crediting head coach Joel Quenneville for organizing the team effectively.
“But give Anaheim credit,” Subban said. “From 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.
“So, you have to give a hats off to Anaheim. I know there’s controversy on the goal, but to me, Anaheim has been the better team.”
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Edmonton enters Game 5 under pressure at Rogers Place. McDavid’s influence remains central, as the Oilers need to respond with urgency and raise their level.