Edmonton Oilers vs. Arizona Coyotes: Odds, Prediction
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Andrew Rogers
The Edmonton Oilers came into the season expected to contend for the Western Conference title – but as the teams reach the middle of February, they’re much closer to the bottom of the standings than the top. Edmonton looks to halt a five-game losing skid Saturday night as they visit an Arizona Coyotes team that has won three in a row. The Oilers enter the weekend just eight points clear of the Coyotes for last place in the conference.
Oilers vs. Coyotes Betting Analysis
For the Oilers, ending their recent losing ways will require reversing another trend that has seen them drop six of their previous eight games in Arizona. And other ongoing trends don’t bode well for Edmonton, either; it has has lost each of its previous four road games and is winless in its last five encounters with Western Conference foes. But Arizona isn’t exactly a comfortable fave – it has dropped 21 of its previous 29 games at Gila River Arena.
Playing in the desert has brought out the offence in these two teams; they’ve combined to go above the total in 26 of their previous 40 games in Arizona. Edmonton has played to the over in six of their previous eight games and are 5-2 O/U in their last seven outings vs. the West. Arizona has gone over the total in five consecutive games against teams with losing records, and is 6-1 O/U in its previous seven games overall.
Edmonton Oilers
The quality goaltending that lifted the Oilers to within a victory of the Western Conference final last season simply hasn’t been there in 2017-18. Edmonton has surrendered 25 goals over the course of its five-game skid, and now ranks 29th overall in goals against per game (3.3). Even the best offences can’t overcome those deficiencies – but making things worse is the fact that the Oilers also rank in the bottom third league-wide in goals per contest (2.8).
Arizona Coyotes
The Coyotes know a thing or two about defensive struggles – they, too, surrender an average of 3.3 goals per game. But Arizona has been getting sensational goaltending of late, allowing just four goals over its previous three games. The offence has also been impressive, producing 13 goals during its three-game winning streak and 23 over the past six games overall. The Coyotes have dominated this head-to-head series, winning 26 of the past 36 meetings.
