NHL Saturday odds & picks: Oilers to send Eberle packing?

When the Edmonton Oilers tangle with the Philadelphia Flyers Saturday afternoon, the word is more than a handful of guys will be playing for their jobs. Understandably enough, too.

The two teams have just eight wins between them and both sit in the basement of their respective divisions. Supporters of both teams are calling for change – and now. Earlier this week rumors out of Edmonton had Nail Yakupov and/or Ales Hemsky on the trading block. Those whispers grew louder when most of Edmonton’s front office was in the press box at Madison Square Garden. Oilers brass later denied the Yakupov rumors, but said nothing about Hemsky and haven’t commented on Friday’s hottest gossip – Jordan Eberle may be traded to Philadelphia.

This could be just another rumor, but if there’s some substance behind it, this would be the kind of deal that completely changes the culture in Edmonton. In that sense, it makes sense. Eberle, Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Justin Schultz are seen as the next generation of greatness. The sheer skill of this group is obvious and they’ve developed a strong bond both on and off the ice.

The problem is that they’re trying to get by on skill more than effort and commitment to Edmonton’s system. Sometimes the only way to break those habits is to move a key member of that core group, even if it means trading away elite talent.

So, maybe Eberle does land in Philadelphia in exchange for one of Philly’s young, tough defenseman. Even if he doesn’t, you know the situation is getting very dire when his name starts popping up in trade rumors. Unless wins start flooding Edmonton’s record, something is going to happen. Stay tuned.

Edmonton Oilers at Philadelphia Flyers

With all this chatter floating around, this should be a tight-checking game. The 1 p.m. ET start doesn’t help either. If you’re going to bet a side on this contest, you’d be just as well off flipping a coin. Both of these teams are a nightmare to figure out from one night to the next, but there is some value in this total. If it’s a 5.5-goal total, give a look to the under. This one might be a sloppy matinee.

Pick: Under 5.5

Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins

We all remember what happened the last time the Maple Leafs played in Boston. In Game 7 of the first round of last year’s playoffs, Toronto blew a three-goal lead and lost in overtime. While it isn’t much consolation, the Leafs have had this game circled on the calendar while the Bruins have just one regulation win in their last six.

Pick: Toronto Maple Leafs

Vancouver Canucks at Los Angeles Kings

Say what you will about John Tortorella, but he has these Canucks buying into his scheme. Vancouver has won six of its last eight and ranks second in the league in penalty killing. The Canucks have allowed more than 30 shots just once in the last five games and are 7-2-0-2 on the road this year.

Pick: Vancouver Canucks

Last week: 3-0

Year to date: 9-3