Edmonton Oilers vs. Nashville Predators Prediction, NHL Odds
The Oilers are currently mired in a two-game slide, capped by Tuesday’s crushing 5-1 loss in Minnesota. The Predators kicked off their current five-game homestand with Tuesday’s 1-0 victory over San Jose to maintain control of the top wild card in the Western Conference.
The Oilers have faded since opening as a -110 moneyline bet on the NHL odds, dipping to +100 underdogs. The Predators have improved to -121 favourites to win despite garnering the support of just 32 per cent of sports bettors. The total has held steady since opening at 6.0. However, the OVER has emerged as a -115 wager, backed by 92 per cent of the betting action.
Oilers vs. Predators NHL Betting Odds
Thursday night’s matchup at Bridgestone Arena marks the third and final regular season meeting between these clubs. The Oilers tallied a pair of home victories over the Predators earlier this season, capped by a 3-2 shootout victory on Jan. 27. The Oilers have gone 6-0-1 in seven dates with Nashville, and allowed just two goals in four of their past five meetings. That has helped extend a 12-4-4 run for the UNDER over their past 20 head-to-head matchups.
Apart from Tuesday’s lopsided loss to the Wild, the Oilers have played stingy hockey of late. They have limited opponents to two or fewer goals on five occasions while winning six of their previous seven contests. However, the club has seen its offence cool off considerably. Edmonton has scored just seven total goals over their past four contests. The Oilers have also been streaky on the road while winning just three of their past nine away dates.
Consistency has also been a concern for the Predators, who remain in the playoff picture despite winning just five of their past 10 outings. However, Nashville has been steady on home ice, going 8-2-0 over their past 10. The Predators have allowed just a single goal on six occasions during that stretch, but have also scored just two total goals over their past two home dates.
Edmonton Oilers
As has been the case throughout the season, the Oilers’ success has been directly tied to the offensive production of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who have produced just one total point over the past two games. That adds to the pressure on Mike Smith, who returns to the Oilers crease on Thursday after seeing Mikko Koskinen get the call in the last two outings. Smith has been steady, particularly on the road, allowing just four total goals while posting wins in each of his past three away starts.
Nashville Predators
The Predators’ recent offensive woes have not come from lack of effort. Nashville has outshot opponents by a wide 76-55 overall margin. High-flying rearguard Roman Josi has been particularly snake bitten. Josi has been held off the scoresheet in three straight contests for the first time since early December despite recording 16 total shots on goal over that stretch. On a positive note, Juuse Saros has been a standout, allowing just six total goals during a 3-1-0 run, and just three total goals over his past three home appearances.
EDM
NAS