Connor McDavid’s first career NHL playoff hat trick helped Edmonton even the series with Chicago in a 6-3 win on Monday night.

McDavid has reached another level against the Blackhawks, putting up six points (4G, 2A) in the first two games of the series.  This promises to be a back-and-forth series after the Blackhawks controlled all of Game 1 and the Oilers controlled all of Game 2.  They face off Wednesday night for Game 3 to put one of these teams on the brink of a playoff berth and one on the brink of elimination.

Oilers vs. Blackhawks NHL Playoffs Odds

Like the first two games in this series, the Oilers are once again the favourites in Game 3, currently listed at -140 with a total of 6.5 on the NHL odds board.  The total has gone over in four of the Oilers last six games and five of the Blackhawks last seven games, including going over in the first two games of the series, so far.

Edmonton Oilers

McDavid had a statement game on Monday night with two goals in the first five minutes and finishing with a hat trick.  His six points (4G, 2A) in the first two games of the series are tied for the team-lead with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (1G, 5A), who is quietly playing some of the best hockey of his playoff career.  Mikko Koskinen seems to have taken the reins as starter from Mike Smith, stopping 41 of 45 shots faced in the series.  With McDavid seemingly playing at another level, the Oilers could put huge pressure on the Blackhawks with a win on Wednesday night.

Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago’s top line of Jonathan Toews, Brandon Saad and Dominik Kubalik went from abusing the Oilers defense with 10 points on Saturday to being held scoreless on Monday.  The Blackhawks seemed to fall victim to not only Connor McDavid, but also themselves.  They went scoreless on four power plays and were outshot 35-26.  Corey Crawford didn’t seem like himself, misplaying the puck in the third period to lead to a James Neal goal and allowing Alex Chiasson to score from an awkward angle less than a minute later.  It’s tough to count out a team as experienced as the Blackhawks, but a loss on Wednesday would put them in a difficult spot.

NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Oilers vs. Blackhawks?

OILERS

Away

6

BLACKHAWKS

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