-
Jeremy Perry
Oilers vs. Avalanche Prediction: NHL Betting Odds
The Edmonton Oilers won’t make the playoffs in the Western Conference following another disappointing regular season. However, they still have a chance to impact the playoff picture in a spoiler role.
Edmonton has lost six of its last eight after Monday’s visit to Las Vegas while Colorado has won six of their last eight, so the Oilers will have to put together a really focused effort to get the win.
Oilers vs Avalanche Betting Analysis
Edmonton are now 16-18-5 record on the road so far this season. The one positive is that they’re 5-2 in their last seven games as a road underdog when listed between +150 and +200 betting odds. However, they are now 8-21 in their last 29 games as an underdog.
The Avalanche are 19-14-6 on home ice so far this season. Colorado has won four straight on home ice to move a little closer to locking up a playoff position. The Avs are also 5-1 in their last six games when listed as a sports betting favorite between -150 and -200 odds on home ice.
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers have only themselves to blame for another absolutely disappointing season. Edmonton seemed primed to contend for a playoff spot this year, but inconsistent play up front, injuries and poor goaltending resulted in them missing the playoffs once again. It’s hard to believe they were 17-12-2 at one point as they have just 17 wins in their last 48 games.
This team has really struggled on the road all season. That might continue with a tough turnaround after visiting Vegas the night before. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continue to lead the way up front with 114 points and 101 points, respectively. However, the next highest total is Ryan Nugent-Hopkins with just 65 points and after that it’s Darnell Nurse with just 39 points. Improving the depth at forward will be a priority for Edmonton this upcoming offseason.
They also need better goaltending after Mikko Koskinen struggled with consistency after returning from the KHL this season. Koskinen is 24-19-6 with a 2.92 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage. Edmonton needs to improve in front of him. However, he’s 14-8-3 at home with a 2.64 GAA but he’s 10-12-3 on the road with a 3.22 GAA. He’s much worse when he’s on the road.
Colorado Avalanche
After overcoming some key injuries including the loss of captain Gabriel Landeskog for a couple of weeks, Colorado has pushed its way back in to the playoff picture with an inspiring run. The Avalanche can’t afford to let off the gas the rest of the way beginning with a must-win game against Edmonton. Landeskog, Nathan Mackinnon and Mikko Rantanen have led the way this season up front as that trio has combined for 252 points. However, role players like Carl Soderberg, Colin Wilson and J.T. Compher have chipped in with 49 goals to really help take some of the pressure off of the big three.
Colorado has also benefited from some quality goaltending of late from Philipp Grubauer, who is 6-0-2 over his last eight starts. They will also need him at his best right now in a back-to-back situation after visiting St. Louis the night before.
