NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Blue Jackets vs. Oilers (Dec. 16)
Claus Andersen/Getty Images. Pictured: The Edmonton Oilers celebrate.
- The Oilers have lost their last six games as they face the Blue Jackets on Thursday.
- Could this be their chance to break that stream against a Blue Jackets team that has also been struggling?
- Grant White breaks down the game and his best bet below.
Blue Jackets vs. Oilers Odds
| Blue Jackets Odds | +165 |
| Oilers Odds | -195 |
| Over/Under | 6o-120 |
| Time | 9 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
| Odds via DraftKings. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. | |
The good news is that someone will leave with a victory when the Edmonton Oilers host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday night.
The Oilers have dropped six straight decisions, and the Blue Jackets have just two wins over their past nine contests. Edmonton's recent cold streak has diminished its value in the betting market, but our analysis supports that it is worth backing in Thursday night's contest.
Nothing Going Right for Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets don't have a lot working in their favor right now. Columbus has put forward some lackluster offensive performances, combined with some poor defensive efforts.
The net result is game scores that imply that the Jackets have been more successful than they deserve.
The past nine games have exposed the Jackets' defensive inefficiencies. Opponents have attempted 10 or more high-danger chances at five-on-five in seven of the nine contests and at least 10 across all strengths in all nine outings.
On average, Columbus is giving up 13.8 quality chances and 32.4 scoring opportunities over that span. That has resulted in increased goals against, with Jackets' goalies giving up three or more goals in eight of nine.
The Jackets' offense isn't doing much to offset the porous defensive coverage. Columbus has out-chanced its opponents in scoring and high-danger chances in just two of nine games, attempting double-digit quality chances in less than half of those games.
Collectively, Columbus has put up an expected goals-for rating of 44.7% over its nine games,
Results to Come for Edmonton Oilers?
Conversely, the Oilers are starting to get their metrics working in their favor, but the results have yet to go their way. It was inevitable for the Oilers to regress after the start that they had, but they've fallen far enough off the pace that progression is forthcoming for the once-proud dynasty.
The Oilers' five-on-five metrics have been superb over their six-game losing streak, outplaying their opponents in four of six and posting a cumulative 51.6% expected goals-for rating.
Their offense is starting to come back to life, attempting 10 or more quality chances in three of five; however, that hasn't equated to more goals.
Edmonton's five-on-five shooting percentage has plummeted to 3.5% during its six-game losing streak, resulting in a 0.927 PDO.
On the season, their rating has dropped to 0.989, ranking 25th in the league. The Oilers have metrics working in their favor now, and it's time for their output and results to start catching up.
Oilers vs. Blue Jackets Pick
This line is likely to move in the Oilers' favor before puck drop; getting on it now offers the most upside.
We've highlighted the Oilers as progression candidates, as the lid has been kept on their offense for too long. It could all come together for the Oilers against a Blue Jackets squad that gives up more than its fair share of chances and goals.
Anything below -220 presents value.
Pick: Oilers -195
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