Tonight in the NHL, we’re set for a thrilling Game 7 showdown between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks. Let’s dive into this highly anticipated matchup, exploring the excitement it promises and highlighting some intriguing player props that deserve your attention.
Matchup:
Edmonton Oilers @ Vancouver Canucks
- Time: 9:00 PM ET
- Series: Edmonton Oilers 3 – Vancouver Canucks 3
| Team | Opening ML | Current ML | Spread | Total |
| Edmonton Oilers | -142 | -162 | -1.5 (+164) | o5.5 (-120) |
| Vancouver Canucks | +120 | +136 | +1.5 (-198) | u5.5 (+100) |
Tonight’s matchup will hinge on several key factors.
Can Edmonton generate scoring chances beyond Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl? Draisaitl leads the NHL in postseason points with 23 (8 goals, 15 assists), while McDavid is close behind with 21 points (2 goals, 19 assists). Evan Bouchard, impressive during the regular season with an average of over a point per game, has continued his strong performance in the playoffs with 18 points through 11 games. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman are also producing at over a point per game, though the majority of their points have come on the power play. For the Oilers to advance to the Western Conference Finals, they need contributions from players like Mattias Ekholm, Evander Kane, and Warren Foegele. While McDavid and Draisaitl have been outstanding, winning the Stanley Cup requires a full-team effort.
Power Play Efficiency: The Oilers lead the playoffs with a 36.8% conversion rate on the power play, despite going 0-8 in their last two games. Before this dry spell, Edmonton had scored on the man advantage in every playoff game. They will need to get their power play back on track tonight.
Goaltending: Goaltending will be a crucial factor tonight. Stuart Skinner will start for the Oilers after posting a .933 save percentage in Game 6, facing only 15 shots—the fewest the Oilers have allowed all postseason. Skinner ranks 20th in save percentage (.881), 19th in GAA (2.97), and 25th in Goals Saved Above Expected (-2.9) in these playoffs. Opposite Skinner, Arturs Silovs will start for the Canucks. With Vancouver’s top netminder and Vezina finalist Thatcher Demko sidelined due to a knee injury, Silovs has stepped in, ranking 14th in save percentage (.898), 17th in GAA (2.89), and 13th in Goals Saved Above Expected (+0.6).
Vancouver’s Offensive Leaders: J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser have each tallied 12 points for the Canucks. However, Boeser is out for Game 7 due to a blood clotting issue. Vancouver will need players like Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes, Filip Hronek, and Elias Lindholm to elevate their game. Pettersson, who recorded 89 points during the regular season, has only 6 points in 12 postseason games. For the Canucks to advance, they need a standout performance from one of their stars.
EDM: Stuart Skinner [CONFIRMED]
VAN: Arthur Silovs [CONFIRMED]
Sides/ Totals:
- Edmonton Oilers / Vancouver Canucks over 5.5 (-115) – Caesars
My pick for tonight’s matchup is the over on 5.5 goals scored. The Oilers only allowed 15 shots on goal last game, a feat I doubt they can replicate on the road. Skinner has struggled in net this postseason, so if he faces 20-25 shots, I’d expect him to allow at least 2-3 goals. Meanwhile, the Oilers’ offensive firepower has consistently overwhelmed the Canucks, scoring three or more goals in all but one game this series. Heading into Game 7, I anticipate this trend will continue.
Player Props:
- J.T. Miller over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-115) – DraftKings
J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser have been the focal points of Vancouver’s offense, each leading the team with 12 points. With Boeser out of the lineup, I expect Miller to step up and generate as many chances as possible tonight. Joining Miller on the top line are Ilya Mikheyev and Elias Pettersson, both primarily playmakers. While Miller has more assists than goals, I anticipate he will take on a more commanding role and shoot the puck more tonight.
Additionally, Miller is a key player on Vancouver’s first power play unit, which is likely to have several opportunities in tonight’s game. The Canucks have had multiple power play chances in each game of the series.
Miller has consistently met his shots on goal quota in his last two games. In Game 5, he had four shots on goal out of seven attempts and led the Vancouver forwards in ice time. In Game 6, he recorded three shots on goal from seven attempts.
At home this season, Miller was much better recording over 2.5 shots on goal in 43.9% of the games compared to just 40.0% on the road.
Linemate and Shot Propz provide all Player Prop Data.
Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting. Any feedback whether positive or negative is always encouraged.
