Colorado Avalanche vs. Edmonton Oilers Prediction, NHL Odds
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Nik Kowalski
Two of the best in the west go head-to-head on Monday night when the Colorado Avalanche visit the Edmonton Oilers in a huge game for the home team. Edmonton’s right in the middle of a race for the Pacific Division, entering Monday a point back of Vegas for the division lead. The Oilers have had every chance to take control of the division but losses in three of their last four outings have dragged this so-called “pillow fight” on to the final week of the regular season.
The Avalanche clinched the President’s Trophy with a 3-1 win over Calgary on Thursday, and fell to Vegas 3-2 in overtime on Saturday. Colorado’s final three games could see them rest some key players with the Stanley Cup Playoffs on the horizon, but no roster adjustments have been publicly announced so far. It’s the fourth time in franchise history the Avalanche have won the President’s Trophy, which is awarded to the team with the most regular-season points.
Puck drop at Rogers Place goes at 9:30 p.m. EDT with the Avalanche a -118 moneyline road favourite and the total at 6.5 on the NHL odds.
Avalanche vs. Oilers NHL Betting Odds
Colorado’s led the NHL in scoring for the majority of the season, and Edmonton’s not far behind as both average over 3.4 goals per outing. Yet, both teams have quite opposite over-under splits. The over has been a consistent winner for the Oilers this season, hitting in 23 of their 39 home games this season. It’s nearly the exact opposite for Colorado, who have seen 24 of their 39 road outings finish under the total. The key difference is team defence and goaltending; Colorado also allows the fewest goals per game in the NHL, while Edmonton ranks seventh-worst in the NHL with 3.29 goals allowed per game.
The under has connected in five straight Colorado games, and five of Edmonton’s last seven. Colorado comes in having won six straight road games, and six of their last seven visits to Edmonton. Monday’s the last of three regular season meetings between these clubs, and will decide the season series as both teams won one of thee prior meetings.
Colorado Avalanche
Monday is the first of an Alberta back-to-back for the Avalanche, but also a natural spot to audition both goalies one last time before the playoffs. Colorado’s nearly split their crease evenly between Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood, and need to make a big decision in the next week. Wedgewood’s got the better stats, going 29-6-6 with a .918 save percentage in 43 games. He’s been the hot hand too, posting a .935 save percentage in March.
Martin Necas enters this tilt one point shy of his first 100-point season. The 27-year-old has slotted into Colorado’s second line since the return of Artturi Lehkonen two weeks ago. The Avs are still trying to get Lehkonen going on the top line alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog. MacKinnon’s 126 points this season rank third in the NHL.
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers got shut out for the fourth time this season in Saturday’s loss at L.A., which is concerning considering both the timing and the firepower the Oilers have on offence. Edmonton can essentially say goodbye to the Pacific Division crown if they can’t find a way to get points in their final two games, although not having home ice hasn’t stopped Edmonton from going on runs before. The more important thing for the Oilers is getting in a groove before the playoffs. Goaltending continues to be unsolved, as no one has stood out in net for Edmonton. Connor Ingram’s played the last two games and appears to be the best option in net despite an .896 save percentage.
As always, Edmonton’s going to live or die via their offence. Connor McDavid’s league-leading 133 points has kept this team alive for the division. McDavid had a five-point outing at San Jose last Wednesday, and has five multi-point games in Edmonton’s last nine outings as Leon Drasaitl remains sidelined.
