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The Edmonton Oilers will meet the Colorado Avalanche in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals on Thursday in Denver, Colorado. It's time to continue our NHL odds coverage with an Oilers-Avalanche prediction and pick.
The Avalanche lead in this series after scoring in bunches during Game 1. It was a great night for both clubs offensively, as the teams combined for 14 goals.
Connor McDavid scored a goal with two assists to keep the Oilers alive throughout the game. Additionally, Evander Kane scored a goal and an assist. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins contributed to the tally with a goal and an assist. Meanwhile, Leon Draisaitl finished with two assists. The Oilers battled back from a 7-3 second-period deficit to bring the game to within one goal until the very last minute.
Cale Makar showed up in spades during Game 1, as he managed a goal and two assists. Also, Gabriel Landeskog produced a goal and an assist, and Nathan Mackinnon did the same. Mikko Rantanen got in on the fun with a goal and an assist. Meanwhile, J.T. Compher executed solid secondary scoring with two goals. The Avs came close to blowing a 7-3 lead before sealing the game with an empty-net goal by Landeskog with a minute remaining. Colorado will attempt to take a commanding 2-0 series lead before heading to Canada.
Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Oilers-Avalanche NHL Playoffs odds:
NHL Playoffs Odds: Oilers-Avalanche Odds
Oilers: +1.5 (-152)
Avalanche: -1.5 (+126)
Over: 7.5 (+114)
Under: 7.5 (-140)
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Why The Oilers Could Cover The Spread
The Oilers have two of the top players in the world. McDavid and Draisaitl are a force, and the Avs were powerless to stop them. Additionally, the Oilers have solid secondary scorers like Kane, Nugent-Hopkins, and Zach Hyman to give the elite scorers some help. McDavid has produced a ridiculous 29 points through 13 playoff games. Meanwhile, Draisaitl has 28 points in these playoffs. Kane has amassed 17 points. Also, Hyman and Nugent-Hopkins each have 13 points.
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The Oilers won the faceoff battle, winning 54 percent of the draws in the faceoff circle. It allowed them some opportunities to get back into the game and was a significant reason the game was as close as it was. However, they also lost the shot battle by 10. The Oilers shot 37 shots on goal while allowing the Avalanche to fire 47 at their goaltenders. Additionally, the Oilers blocked only 15 shots while the Avs blocked 21. Edmonton must figure out how to play better defense in front of their goaltender. In addition to that, they must stop Mackinnon, Landeskog, and the rest of the high-powered offense from getting loose.
The Oilers will cover the spread if they can slow the game down and not get into a shootout with the Avalanche. It would help if they take the lead early and hold onto it. The Oilers led 1-0 in Game 1 and never held a lead again. They cannot afford to play catch up. The Oilers are 2-0 in Game 2 matches during the playoffs.
Why The Avalanche Could Cover The Spread
The Avalanche showcased to the world what they could do during Game 1. Colorado scored plenty of goals and then held on for dear life. The Avalanche were powerless to stop the desperation attack by the Oilers, and it almost cost them Game 1.
Colorado must improve in two categories. They lost the faceoff battle. Thus, it gave Edmonton more puck possession time. It factored into the Oilers getting more opportunities as the game went on. Additionally, the Avalanche has to be more aggressive. They lost the hit battle 46 to 34, and it opened up the ice for the Edmonton scorers to roam free. The Avalanche has to find ways to control the puck and give themselves a better chance of winning.
How they perform on the penalty kill will determine the game. Colorado had two penalties to kill during Game 1, and the Oilers converted on one of those chances. The Avs have to play smarter and not take penalties because McDavid and Draisaitl will be sure to make them pay for their mistakes.
The Avalanche will cover the spread if they improve in the faceoff circle and hit more. Additionally, Colorado should slow the game down more so they do not allow Edmonton to gain any momentum. The Avalanche are 1-1 in Game 2 matches during the playoffs.
Final Oilers-Avalanche Game 2 Prediction & Pick
The Oilers and Avalanche shattered the total goals prediction in Game 1. Can they do it again? It would likely require a 5-3 or 6-3 score. That scoring total is not out of the realm of possibility with these two teams, who cannot seem to stop a shot. The goalies are not that great, and neither are the defenses. The past two games have gone over seven goals. Expect this game to be no different.
Final Oilers-Avalanche Game 2 Prediction & Pick: Over 7.5 (+126)
