NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Oilers vs. Canucks

Oilers vs. Canucks Odds

The sixth-place Vancouver Canucks host the fourth-place Edmonton Oilers in a Pacific Division tilt. Edmonton enters this contest in great form while Vancouver has fallen down the division standings and will be playing the second half of a back-to-back.

Here's a look at the odds, as well as our pick and prediction for the Edmonton Oilers vs. Vancouver Canucks.

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Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers have won each of their past five games and eight of their past 12. Of those eight wins, six have come by at least two goals, a trend likely to continue as goaltender Stuart Skinner is set to make his return following the birth of his child.

Prior to his absence, Skinner established himself as an All-Star caliber goaltender. Through 26 appearances in the crease this season, he boasts a .914 save percentage (SV%) and a 2.96 goals against average (GAA).

Based on his metrics, regression should not be an issue. Skinner ranks third among starting goaltenders in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5-on-5. What makes Skinner's job a bit easier is that he has plenty of faith in the offense to provide him with tons of goal support.

At 5-on-5, Edmonton ranks fifth in the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60). The offense is only going to continue to improve with Evander Kane's return to the lineup following the scary wrist injury he suffered against Tampa Bay earlier this season.

Vancouver Canucks

While the Oilers enter this contest in great form, it has been tough sledding recently for the Vancouver Canucks. This difficult stretch is likely to continue with goaltender Spencer Martin projected to take the crease.

It has been a forgettable campaign for Martin, who is 11-11-1 with a .877 SV% and a 3.89 GAA through 25 appearances this season. To be fair to Martin, he doesn't have a lot of support in front of him as the Canucks rank fourth-to-last in the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) at 5-on-5.

Based on his metrics, positive regression is unlikely for the struggling netminder. If he qualified, Martin would rank just 24th among starting goaltenders in GSAx/60 at 5-on-5.

To make matters worse, Vancouver is primed for regression offensively. At 5-on-5, it ranks ninth in the league in GF/60, but 26th in xGF/60.

Oilers vs. Canucks Pick

In simplest terms, the Oilers have an advantage offensively, defensively and in net. Add in the fact that the Canucks are on the second half of a back-to-back and it's clear Vancouver should struggle mightily to keep this contest close.

Edmonton has won five of the past six meetings between these clubs and Saturday shouldn't go any differently with Skinner's return.

Pick: Edmonton -1.5 | Play Down to +125

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