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Edmonton Oilers Ready for Game 1 Against Anaheim

By Sammi Silber

Apr 1, 2017; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a third period goal by forward Milan Lucic (27) against the Anaheim Ducks at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; The Edmonton Oilers celebrate a third period goal by forward Milan Lucic (27) against the Anaheim Ducks at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Edmonton Oilers will kick off the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs Wednesday against the Anaheim Ducks. Puck drops at 8:30 p.m. MT.

This is sure to be a tough series. Anaheim has been off for well over a week. They swept their first-round series against Calgary and had time to rest some of their key players. The Oilers last played Saturday, when they defeated San Jose 3-1 and advanced to the next round.

Here is everything that you need to know prior to puck drop in Game 1, including lines, keys to victory and more.

Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers /

Edmonton Oilers

Lines

Patrick Maroon is seemingly going to be promoted back to the first line. He has skated with the top unit, swapping in and out with Drake Caggiula on the wing. Maroon is expected to do a lot of damage against his former team while igniting the offence and getting his body in front of the net.

With Maroon back on top, Caggiula will likely return to his spot on the wing alongside Mark Letestu and Zack Kassian. The rest of the lines are expected to remain the same.

Oscar Klefbom, who has been ill, is expected to return to the lineup for Game 1. He will fill out the top pairing alongside Adam Larsson. Matthew Benning will also likely remain in, while Eric Gryba will continue to sit out.

Keys to Success

For Edmonton to take the victory, they must get off to an early start. Having strong offence and coming out of the gate with momentum and pressure will surely help the team moving forward. They also have to display tremendous physicality and be a force from the moment the puck drops.

Also, the Oilers have to stay out of the box against this team. Ryan Getzlaf and the top power-play unit can do plenty of damage. If they are given too much time on the man advantage, they will make the Oilers pay. By the same token, the Oilers cannot allow the Ducks with too much time and space.

This game will also set the tempo of the series, and if Edmonton wants to put up a fight, playing a hard-fought Game 1 and winning will be important.

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