In a must-watch matchup, Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins take on Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. Welcome back to the return of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions for all the NHL’s games here on Sports Events Guide!
NHL Predictions
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Edmonton Oilers
Time: 9 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Sportsnet1; Sportsnet+, ESPN+
The NHL off-season has seen a fiery start from some teams and slower starts for others. The Oilers are coming off a 3-2 overtime loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, in which captain McDavid scored two goals in the losing effort. Although McDavid has had a slow start relative to his standards, he has begun to heat up with eight points in seven games thus far. Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard both collected assists against the Hurricanes. However, their performances to start the season have been disappointing, with just six and two points respectively. The Oilers will look to wake up from their cold start, going 2-5-1 heading into their game against the Penguins.
Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins have struggled to find consistency to start the season. The team is coming off a disappointing loss 4-3 in the shootout against the Calgary Flames. The team has struggled with keeping leads which cost them in this contest. Evgeni Malkin has seen a start to the season, scoring 11 points in eight games. However, players like Sidney Crosby and Erik Karlsson have had slower starts. The team’s goaltending situation has also been tumultuous, with a carousel consisting of Tristan Jarry, Alex Nedeljkovic and Joel Blomqvist. The defence in front of any one of these goalies has been lacklustre however, and the team will have to tighten up in front of the goalie they choose to start against an offensively loaded Oilers team.
The Oilers Story
Following a trip to the Cup Finals, the Oilers start to the season has been disappointing. The team has posted a 2-5-1 record to start the year. Connor McDavid has led the way offensively, scoring eight points in seven games, but the team’s overall performance has fallen short of expectations. Leon Draisaitl, typically an offensive game-breaker, has managed just six points, while defenceman Evan Bouchard has two assists. Their defence has also struggled, ranking sixth-highest in goals against per game. The coaching staff will face pressure to turn things around quickly, as defensive lapses and inconsistent goaltending have already been problematic.
Stuart Skinner is the likely starter for this game, and with Edmonton’s struggling defence, he’ll need to be sharp.
The Penguins Story
The Penguins have shown flashes of their potential this season, but have struggled to maintain consistency. Coming off a 4-3 loss in the shootout, Pittsburgh has struggled to protect leads. Evgeni Malkin has been a bright spot, but players like Crosby and Karlsson have had slower starts. The team’s goaltending situation will be a source of questions leading up to the game, with three goaltenders all having reasons to factor into the game. No matter who starts, the team’s defensive play needs to improve. The team has allowed too many odd-man rushes making it hard for any goalie to excel.
Joel Blomqvist is likely to start, but the Penguins will need to provide better support in front of him to compete with Edmonton’s elite offensive weapons. However, always confirm the starting goalie closer to puck drop for fantasy purposes.
Prediction
Edmonton will likely start this game fired up. Playing in their arena, the fans will be behind them. However, their defence has raised questions, and the team simply looks tired following a game seven loss right at the end of the road in the Cup Finals. The Penguins will have to tighten up their defence, but offensive weapons like Michael Bunting have the potential to throw Skinner and the defence off their game. With a fresh goaltender in either Blomqvist or Jarry likely to start, the Penguins are in a good position to snap their three-game losing skid.
Prediction: Penguins win 5-3.
Prop Bets for the Night
We’ve got some prop bets to go with the game. Taking a look at FanDuel, I’d recommend taking the Over 7 at +168. With both Skinner and all three of the Penguins goalies struggling, either team’s offensive firepower is sure to be a significant factor in this game. Historically this would seem like a good bet as well, with the total score of three of their last four contests being over seven goals.
Main Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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