For a loud Western Conference matchup against the Edmonton Oilers, the St. Louis Blues will travel to Alberta, Canada. It’s time to look over our NHL odds series and make a prediction and pick for the Blues vs. Oilers game.
The Seattle Kraken were defeated by the Blues 4-3 in overtime. When Jordan Kyrou scored to give the Blues a 1-0 lead, they opened the scoring. Will Borgen then scored to tie the score at one. The Blues responded with a goal from Brayden Schenn. Justin Faulk then scored in the following 17 seconds to give them a 3-1 lead going into the second quarter. Two goals from The Kraken tied the game, forcing overtime. In the end, Faulk got a hold of a loose rebound and beat Martin Jones with a slapshot to score.
In a tense match in Alberta, the Oilers defeated the Hurricanes 6-4. With a laser goal during a power play, Zach Hyman gave the Oilers the early advantage. Then, Andre Svechnikov scored to tie the contest. Thanks to a Ryan McLeod shorthanded goal on a gorgeous deke to fool Frederick Andersen, the Oilers regained the lead. When Leon Draisaitl scored on a power play in the third period, the Oilers led 5-3. Martin Necas, though, scored his third goal of the season to make it 5-4 and reduce the margin. Connor McDavid scored into the empty net to give the Oilers victory.
Last year, the Oilers won two of the three games. In the end, the teams’ past 10 games at Rogers Place have been tied. The Oilers have defeated the Blues in back-to-back home victories. Thus, only three of the ten games have produced more than six goals.
Thanks to FanDuel, here are the NHL odds for the Blues-Oilers game.
NHL Odds: Blues-Oilers Odds
Blues of St. Louis: +1.5 (-192)
Edmonton Oilers: +154 with a -1.5
Over: 7 (+104)
Under: 7 (-128)
Why The Blues Could Cover The Spread
The Blues have only played two games so far this season, but some teams have already played six, because of an odd scheduling anomaly. However, they are 2-0 after taking care of business, and they will now try to defeat one of the NHL’s most potent attacks.
Three key players for the Blues are driving the team forward. Vladimir Tarasenko, who has been with the Blues for a while, has reclaimed the top scoring position. He has thus far this season scored goals and provided three assists. Schenn has three assists and one goal. Faulk has scored two goals and provided one assist so far. The Blues want their third and fourth lines to score more goals, but they also anticipate these three to continue delivering.
The starting goalie, Jordan Binnington, is back in that position. This season, he has a record of 2-0, a 2.46 goals-against average, and a.917 save percentage. But over the course of his career, he has had trouble against the Blues, finishing 2-1 in four games with a 4.04 goals-against average and a.856 save %.
If the Blues can score quickly, they will beat the spread. They must also stay out of the penalty area. The secret to winning will be to stop McDavid and Draisaitl.
Why The Oilers Could Cover The Spread
Speaking of McDavid and Draisaitl, they continue to be the NHL’s top two scorers. Six goals and five assists are McDavid’s totals. He has also already scored three goals while on the power play. One of the world’s deadliest players, McDavid has the ability to swiftly change the course of a game by himself. Draisaitl, meanwhile, is the world’s greatest playmaker. He has six assists along with two goals. Both of his significant goals have come during the power play. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has two goals and three assists as he keeps on scoring goals. Hyman has a goal and three assists, one of which came on a power play. Darnell Nurse, a defenseman, has also scored twice and assisted once, including a shorthanded goal.
Goaltending is where it all starts and ends. Jack Campbell has a record of 2-1, a goals-against average of 5.08, and a save percentage of.874. Stuart Skinner had a similar record, going 0-1 with a 1.69 goals-against average and a.944 save percentage. The Oilers need to fix their goalie problems.
If McDavid and Draisaitl can start the scoring barrage, the Oilers will win and cover the spread. In any case, they must play better goaltending and defend in front of their goal.
Final Blues-Oilers Prediction & Pick
Last year, the Oilers triumphed twice, but both times by a single goal. The Blues should also remain competitive in this game and could even win it. Although the Oilers have a better offensive, Binnington is still the superior goaltender. It will come down to who gives a better performance. In a close game, the Blues win against the spread.
Final Blues-Oilers pick and prediction: St. Louis Blues (+1.5). (-192)
The first version of this article published on ClutchPoints: NHL Odds: Blues vs. Oilers forecast, odds, and pick – 10/21/2022.