Golden Knights-Ducks predictions in 2nd round: Matchup sounds very familiar

The Golden Knights open the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena on Monday night.

The Ducks swept the season series, but the slate is wiped clean in the postseason.

Who will win? Our reporters and experts chime on their predictions for the best-of-seven series.

Predictions for Knights-Ducks

Danny Webster, Knights beat reporter

The Knights relied on experience when the series mattered most against Utah. Anaheim wasn’t rattled against Edmonton (no matter how banged up the Oilers were) to power through them. You can expect much of the same in this series, where the Knights will use their veteran savvy to power through. Another series that goes six games, and the Knights get it done. Knights in 6

Ed Graney, columnist

Think of the Utah series only a bit different. The Ducks are much like the Mammoth in that they’re young and fast and skilled up front. Anaheim has drafted extremely well in recent seasons and those picks are now paying dividends. What they have more of than Utah is veteran leadership on the back end, and yet the Knights will trump the Ducks with playoff experience in most every manner. If a fourth line that was tremendous against Utah continues to play at such a high level and Vegas continues to kill penalties at will , it’s difficult to believe Anaheim can outscore the Knights four times for a series win. Mitch Marner has found his groove for Vegas and the team would only be better with the return of William Karlsson at some point in the series. Carter Hart made timely save after timely save in the first round for Vegas and the goalie should be put to the test yet again against Anaheim’s swift-paced attack. Here’s betting he will stand up to the pressure more often than not. Yes. It’s like Utah all over again. An up-and-coming opponent with a bright future just not ready yet to spring such an upset. Knights in 5.

David Schoen, sports producer

This series is a lot like the first round. The experienced, heavy graybeards trying to wear down the free-wheeling youngsters. In the end, toughness and leadership will be the difference. Knights in 6.

Bill Bradley, sports editor

What was it that Johnny Fever said? “Speed kills, Dell.” Though he wasn’t speaking of the Anaheim Ducks, the team located next to Disney is fast. How fast? Forward Ryan Poehling has been the fifth-fastest player in the playoffs (23.39 mph). John Carlson had the fastest shot in the playoffs (102.72 mph). And they just beat the team with the fastest player in the NHL in the last round, Connor McDavid (though he was playing through an injury). The Golden Knights are an incredibly talented and experienced team. But in this case, speed kills. Ducks in 5.