Welcome back to another edition NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey take a look at the games, breaking down the key matchups and providing relevant analysis to how they might play out. Today, the Edmonton Oilers continue their road trip against the Columbus Blue Jackets. They will try to out-do themselves after a terrific comeback victory last night against the Detroit Red Wings, that was capped off by the overtime winner, by the birthday boy himself, Leon Draisaitl. Don’t forget to check out all the action, as our writers continue our NHL predictions throughout the 2024-25 season.
NHL Predictions
Edmonton Oilers at Columbus Blue Jackets, from Nationwide Arena
Time: 5:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)
TV: Sportsnet (WEST), ESPN+
2023-24 Regular Season Series tied (1-1)
All Is Well That Ends Well for the Oil
It really seems a common theme across Canada, patience is wearing thin. Yes, there are exceptions, notably the Winnipeg Jets and Edmonton’s own Alberta rival, Calgary Flames. However, Edmonton, along with the Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs fanbases are ready for things to get going in 2024-25. Well, for Oilers fans, after last night’s win in Motown, could they be in luck that the club’s fortunes are about to turn?
With yesterday’s three-point performance, Leon Draisaitl slipped into the team lead, tied with Connor McDavid with ten points. In addition, their top defence pairing of Mattias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard is beginning to crank it up as well. Bouchard had a big goal at 10:47 of the third last night that tied the game at two-a-piece.
However, for the Oilers, it’s not about who is going, it is more about who isn’t going. This is likely none-to-surprising with the amount of turnover on the forward group. In nine games played each, newcomers Jeff Skinner, Viktor Arvidsson, and Vasily Podkolzin have combined for just two goals and six assists. That’s not good enough, but for now, until they gain more chemistry with their respective alignments, it is acceptable. In contrast, if the lack of scoring continues, head coach Kris Knoblauch and general manager Stan Bowman will have tough decisions to make.
Stuart Skinner is expected to get the start tonight, after Calvin Pickard gave him the night off last night. Pickard was very strong in the win, stopping 24 of 26 shots. Moreover, be sure to checkout the very latest lineup news and notes before locking in your fantasy lineups and goaltenders in particular.
The Blue Jackets Are Looking Good, Considering Expectations
The 2024-25 season for the Columbus Blue Jackets is a team that is playing for Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew. Expectations aren’t there for the team, they are just expected to go out there and play their best. It is strange to say for a professional organization, but it is accepted in certain circumstances.
So far, the Blue Jackets have done well with this in mind. A couple of their young players are off to exceptional starts. Kirill Marchenko and Yegor Chinakhov have nine and seven points, respectively, in seven games played. Furthermore, Cole Sillinger has been great in a depth role thus far. This has helped Columbus to a 3-3-1 record, good for sixth spot in the competitive Metropolitan Division.
This is despite a few fairly impactful injuries. Kent Johnson, Erik Gudbranson, and captain Boone Jenner are all expected to be out for significant time. In the end, the Blue Jackets are a team of young players, looking to develop. They can give teams problems given their talent throughout their lineup, however, look for them to be outclassed often, and no exception tonight versus the favoured road Oilers.
NHL Predictions: Blue Jackets and Oilers
The Oilers would love to ride the momentum of yesterday’s win in Detroit. This will be a test to see their players prove their are better than their opposing matchup. There’s no reason that should not be the case against the Blue Jackets.
Prediction: Oilers win in regulation, 5-2.
According to Fanduel, if we want to look at adding some extra excitement to the action, check out these picks. The 5-2 predicted score puts us over the 6.5, so take it at -120. For a couple of anytime scorers, take Jeff Skinner at +230 and Sean Monahan at +260. If you’re feeling really lucky, the 5-2 score itself is at +1400.
Main Photo: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
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