Only one game taking place tonight in the NHL. There was originally two other games scheduled however, they are postponed.
The first episode of Expected Bets For will be out tomorrow breaking down Wednesday’s slate of games. I’d be greatly appreciated if you could go give it a listen when it drops.
Now, lets breakdown the lone game happening tonight between the Edmonton Oilers and New York Rangers.
Edmonton Oilers @ New York Rangers
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- TV Coverage: ESPN+
- Edmonton Oilers: 18-12-2, 4th Pacific (8-6-2 Away)
- New York Rangers: 21-8-4, 3rd Metropolitan (9-3-2 Home)
| Team | Opening ML | Current ML | Spread | Total |
| Edmonton Oilers | +110 | -125 | -1.5 (+185) | o6.5 (-105) |
| New York Rangers | -135 | +105 | +1.5 (-225) | u6.5 (-115) |
Trends:
- Over is 5-0 in Oilers last 5 games as a road favorite.
- Edmonton are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games on the road.
- The total has gone UNDER in 6 of NY Rangers’ last 7 games at home.
- Under is 4-0 in Rangers last 4 vs. Western Conference.
Preview:
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers have been terrible lately after a promising start to the season. They have just three wins since the start of December which has them clinging to the last wild card spot by just a point. Edmonton hoped to turn things around after a much needed break bu, has dropped their last three games following the Christmas pause.
Connor McDavid was absent during the morning skate for Edmonton today but, head coach Dave Tippett confirmed it was just for rest and that he is expected to play tonight.
After leading the league in several offensive categories earlier this year, the Oilers have fallen off a bit. They’re currently averaging 2.61 Goals For Per 60 with a -5.23 Goals For Above Expected. Despite the lack of production up front as of late, Edmonton still has the best Power Play in the league with a 31.2 conversion rate.
In terms of injuries, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been downgraded to OUT for tonight’s matchup. Zack Kassian will also be out as he remains on IR.
Defensively, the Oilers have also regressed quite a bit but, sill have a -0.71 Goals Against Above Expected. Despite that somewhat encouraging stat, Edmonton does have the third worst Goals Against Per 60 with a 2.94 average.
Mikko Koskinen is expected to be the starter tonight with Mike Smith on IR. Koskinen has not been great this year with a -4.6 Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx).
New York Rangers
The Rangers will be playing their third game in four days which puts them in a tough spot here. Last night, they defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning at home by a score of 4-0 behind a hat trick from Mika Zibanejad.
New York’s success this year can certainly not be contributed to their offensive ability. They rank near the bottom of the league in Goals For Per 60 averaging just 2.13. This number isn’t necessarily due to their inability to capitalize on changes but, more so on their inability to create them. One positive for the Rangers up front has been their Power Play which ranks 7th (25.3%).
The Rangers will be without their leading scorer Artemi Panarin tonight as he remains in quarantine.
Defensively, New York has been solid all season. They have one of the leagues best Goals Against Above Expected with a -7.75. New York is averaging 2.16 Goals Against Per 60 which also ranks near the top of the NHL. Just like their Power Play, their Penalty Kill has also been a strong point of theirs and will be put to the test tonight.
Alexander Georgiev is expected to get the start for the Rangers tonight. Georgiev has a -5.4 GSAx on the season which is a noticeable drop off from their starter Igor Shesterkin who has a +17.4 GSAx.
Picks:
This will be the second time that these teams face off against each other this year. In the first matchup, on November 5th, Edmonton defeated New York 6-5 in OT. The Oilers closed at -162 on the moneyline with the Total being set at 6.0.
- EDMONTON OILERS (-125)
- The Oilers are desperate for a win right now. The Rangers are in a bad spot and will be playing their third game in four days. The last time these teams played Georgiev got lit up and finished the game with a -2.54 GSAx. Edmonton dominated that game outshooting New York 39-25. If Koskinen can have a decent game, I think the Oilers right the ship and get a much needed win.
Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting.
