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Sound the bell for round two. The Ducks continue their run toward a second Stanley Cup as the Western Conference Semi-Finals begin in tonight. This will be a tight series, with many games being settled in the closing minutes of regulation or beyond.

Getting to Know You

Have you ever wondered what type of gum Connor McDavid chews? His favorite brand of cologne? Maybe even the type of shampoo he uses? By the end of this series, Ryan Kesler will be able to tell us. I have a feeling RK17 will be closer to the second year superstar than McDavid's own shadow. Thats the way it should be, Edmonton's offensive star matched up with Anaheim's best defensive forward.

3 reasons why the Ducks win this series:

1) Anaheim dominates the dot. The Ducks have a huge advantage on faceoffs. Ryan Kesler, Ryan Getzlaf, Antoine Vermette and Nate Thomson have far outplayed their upcoming counterparts. Among centers who took over 200 draws, only one Oiler would have been in the Ducks top four. Mark Letestu narrowly beat Getzlaf 50.4% to 50.3%. Against a speed team like Edmonton, gaining control of the puck will be paramount.

2) Special teams. As I write this, I'm awed. Anaheim's PK was dead last among all teams in round one. That is a bad sign, but looks better when you consider that Edmonton converted 2 of 16 chances. Due to the small sample size, these numbers probably won't hold in this series. If Anaheim's penalty kill can revert to their regular season success, they will make things very hard for the Oilers. The other way, Edmonton's PK vs the Ducks PP are two middle of the road propositions, so unless Corey Perry gets shocked with an electric cattle prod, there is little to no advantage for either side.

3) Big “D”. The Ducks got plenty of help from their blue line six in the first round. They put up 12 points in six games. Additionally, aside from a few lapses, they played well in their own end. Due to injuries, Cam Fowler missed the entire series and Sami Vatanen only played in one of four games. Both men will return to action in this round. If they can fit back in, it gives the Ducks a huge advantage.

3 reasons why the Ducks lose this series:

1) Star Power. Connor McDavid is the best young player in the league. If the Ducks forwards can't keep him in check, he'll make life difficult for goalies John Gibson and Jonathan Bernier. Additionally, the Ducks can't afford to forget about Edmonton's second line. They are good enough to beat plenty of teams.

2) No Gimmies. Edmonton goalie Cam Talbot is not Brian Elliot. The Ducks were able to score some soft goals against Calgary's goalie in round one. It won't happen again. Talbot is good enough to carry his team on any given night.

3) Home Ice. The Ducks didn't win any games at Rogers Place this season, dropping both contests. Edmonton was able to win one of three at the Honda Center. If the Oilers neutralize the Ducks home ice advantage, they will advance to the next round.

Edmonton @ Ducks: Round Two, Game One

The puck drops on the Western Conference Semi-Finals tonight at the Honda Center. The Ducks will need to maximize their chances and minimize their mistakes to come out on top. The big news is on the blueline. Fowler will return tonight. Hampus Lindholm, who was banged up in Calgary will also play, while fellow import Vatanen remains a game time decision. Up front there is no reason to believe coach Randy Carlyle will make a change from the successful mix he had in the previous round. John Gibson should be the starter in Anaheim's goal. Here is tonight's expected lineup:

Forwards
Rakell-Getzlaf-Eaves
Cogliano-Kesler-Silfverberg
Ritchie-Vermette-Perry
Wagner-Thompson-Shaw

Defensemen
Fowler-Montour
Lindholm-Manson
Theodore-Bieksa

Goalies
Gibson
Bernier

Prediction

Ducks in 6

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