Ottawa Senators vs. Edmonton Oilers: NHL Odds, Prediction

Sports Interaction Staff
Last Updated: November 6, 2017

The Ottawa Senators have plenty going for them as they prepare to face the powerhouse Edmonton Oilers in a Saturday night showdown. Not only are the Senators coming off an impressive 6-0 victory over the Calgary Flames on Friday, but they’ll face an Oilers team that will have to make do without superstar winger Leon Draisaitl. It’s a major blow to Edmonton, which has kicked off a promising 2017-18 campaign with losses in two of its first three games.

Senators vs. Oilers

Moneyline: Oilers -200
Date: Saturday, October 15, 10 p.m. ET
Location: Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alta.

NHL Odds and Betting Analysis

Edmonton has been a particularly difficult opponent at Rogers Place, winning 13 of its last 17 home games dating back to last season. But that home advantage hasn’t extended to games against the Senators, who have stunningly won eight of their previous nine games in Edmonton – including a 2-0 triumph last Oct. 30. Ottawa’s dominance over the entire Pacific Division is worth considering; the club has prevailed in 28 of its last 39 games against Pacific opponents.

From a totals perspective, the 5.5 opener might seem low when you consider that Edmonton has played to the over in five of its last six home games, while the Senators have racked up 35 overs in their last 52 games vs. the Pacific Division. These teams have also gone over in four of their last six encounters. And while the Oilers have just seven goals in three games, they’re averaging nearly 40 shots per contest – making an offensive breakout all but inevitable.

Ottawa Senators

The Senators continue to thrive despite being without star defenseman Erik Karlsson, who didn’t make the trip out West but should make his season debut this coming week. Ottawa is expected to start Mike Condon in goal to rest No. 1 option Craig Anderson; Condon stopped 35 of 38 shots in last season’s 5-3 home triumph over the Oilers on Jan. 8. Mark Stone had a goal and two assists in that game and has eight points in six career contests vs. Edmonton.

Edmonton Oilers

The absence of Draisaitl likely means a top-line promotion for Kailer Yamamoto, who is expected to skate alongside Connor McDavid and Patrick Maroon. McDavid is one of the league’s premier playmakers but has shown a greater desire to score this season, racking up 14 shots through three games. McDavid has five or more shots in two of the first three contests after reaching that plateau just 14 times all of last season.