Subscribe
Follow Us
Entering play with their second game in as many nights, the Colorado Avalanche will seek to add another contest into the win column when they take on the Edmonton Oilers. Join us for our NHL odds series where our Avalanche-Oilers prediction and pick will be revealed.
Currently trailing the Dallas Stars by three points in the Central Division Standings, the Avs are only 2-3 in their previous five games, but they came away with a ginormous 5-2 victory over the Minnesota Wild. At 48-22-6, Colorado is a bonafide title contender when playing at its best.
Known for their electrifying offense, the Oilers should be extremely feared among Western Conference contenders. After starting off slow out of the gate, Edmonton has bought into the program and look like a team that can embark on a serious run come postseason time. Regardless, Edmonton has been defeated in two straight games and are looking to get back on the winning track to kick off the weekend. Overall, Edmonton is 45-24-5 and boasts 95 points total which is the second-most in the Pacific Division.
Here are the NHL Odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NHL Odds: Avalanche-Oilers Odds
Colorado Avalanche: +1.5 (-220)
Moneyline: +105
Edmonton Oilers: -1.5 (+180)
Moneyline: -126
Over: 6.5 (-130)
Under: 6.5 (+106)
How to Watch Avalanche vs. Oilers
Time: 9:00 ET/6:00 PT
TV: ESPN+
Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)
Article Continues Below
Why The Avalanche Will Cover The Spread/Win
Led by an offense that has made it a habit in finding the back or the net, the league's highest-scoring team is a handful to deal with when they have the puck in their possession. With 3.71 goals per game scored for the men in the burgundy and blue, Colorado boasts an array of options within their front lines including some skilled skaters as backups. The engine of this offense is indeed a Hart Memorial Trophy candidate in center Nathan MacKinnon who is happening to have a career year. With a whopping 127 points on the season, Mac's next-level speed is arguably second to no one. It is this specific ability that makes the 28-year-old star standout from the rest. Be on the lookout for him to have a major impact in this epic Friday.
More specifically, the Avalanche may need to overcome an upper-body injury to Valeri Nichushkin and will have to continue to play steady goaltending in order to gain another big-time victory for the second-straight night. While Nichushkin's availability is still up in the air, it may come down to whoever is in net to slow down the ferocious Edmonton offensive assault. Whether it's up to starter Alexandar Georgiev or a fellow backup, the Avs must stand tall in this department. Luckily, Colorado is only giving up 2.97 goals per game and may be up for the big challenge.
Why The Oilers Will Cover The Spread/Win
Outside of the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers are all the more dangerous when they are receiving strong contributions from the others. Believe it or not, but Edmonton has five skaters that have recorded at least 60 points on the season. Similarly to Colorado, the star-power is there for the Oilers nearly every given night, but beating the Avalanche even at home will require multiple names to step up their game.
For a majority of the season, Edmonton has relied heavily on that elite offense, but it has been the defense that has finally showed up to the party. Altogether, the defense is surrendering only 2.87 scores per game and seems to be gelling at the most perfect time of the season. Furthermore, goalie Stuart Skinner has stepped up with a .906 save percentage and a 2.63 goals average against. Will Skinner shine under the bright lights or will be the victim of a Colorado goal palooza? Only time will tell, but Edmonton would obviously love the former to come true.
After being blanked in rare fashion by Dallas last time out, Edmonton went scoreless on the extra-man attack after four opportunities. Simply put, this cannot be the case once again versus a Colorado crew that will make you pay. If the Oilers can force the Avalanche to commit some penalties in the opening period, then avenging their latest performance in this facet of the game may be achievable.
Final Avalanche-Oilers Prediction & Pick
If you are a fan of offense, then this is the game for you. All in all, whoever makes some key defensive plays and has goaltending up to snuff, then they'll be the victors. Taking the Avalanche to cover at +1.5 seems like the smart choice.
Click here for more betting news and predictions
Final Avalanche-Oilers Prediction & Pick: Avalanche +1.5 (-220)
