NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Oilers vs. Golden Knights

Oilers vs. Golden Knights Odds

There is an exciting Pacific Division tilt set to take place on Saturday evening with the first-place Vegas Golden Knights hosting the fifth-place Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers look to build upon last night's victory over the San Jose Sharks while the Golden Knights look to win their fifth game over their last six contests.

Here’s a look at the odds, as well as our pick and prediction for the Edmonton Oilers vs. Vegas Golden Knights.

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Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers look to win three in a row as they continue their West Coast swing. Edmonton has now jumped off to a dominant start in back-to-back contests, winning the first period 4-1 against the Anaheim Ducks and 2-0 against the San Jose Sharks.

In fact, the Oilers have now won the first period in five of their past six games, a trend likely to continue in this matchup. The offense has been on fire recently and superstar Connor McDavid looks as hungry as ever.

There is a legitimate shot McDavid ends the year leading the league in both goals and assists, something that hasn’t been accomplished since Wayne Gretzky. In the absence of Evander Kane, the rest of the forward group has rallied around McDavid and Leon Draisaitl’s phenomenal play.

At 5-on-5, Edmonton ranks fifth in the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60). This powerhouse offense should be problematic for Vegas, especially at the beginning of the game.

Vegas Golden Knights

Despite their recent success, the Vegas Golden Knights have gotten off to slow starts recently. Entering this contest, the Knights have failed to win the first period in nine of their last 11 games.

This trend should continue with rookie goaltender Logan Thompson slated to take the crease for Vegas. While Thompson boasts strong surface-level stats in his first season as the primary starter, his metrics suggest that regression is likely.

Among starting goaltenders. Thompson ranks 21st in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5-on-5. This regression could hit against Edmonton, a team Thompson surrendered four goals against on 36 shots for a .889 SV% in his lone career matchup.

While Thompson may be helped out by the Knights' dynamite offense, they still rank behind the Oilers in xGF/60 at 5-on-5.

Oilers vs. Golden Knights Pick

The one big question mark regarding this game is the goaltender for Edmonton. Since they are on the second half of a back-to-back, it is unlikely that Jack Campbell starts between the pipes once again.

That would mean regular starter Stuart Skinner would get the nod, which would be extremely beneficial given his tremendous play this season. However, Skinner has been away from the team to due the birth of child, and it is unclear whether he will be back for this game or not.

If he misses another game, Edmonton will either go with Campbell on consecutive nights or call up Calvin Pickard to give him his first start of the year. If Skinner is absent, then I believe the Oilers will go with Pickford, who possesses a .909 SV% through 10 games in the AHL this season.

Either way, the Oilers' offense should take care of business early on for us in this contest.

Pick: Oilers 1P ML (+108) | Play up to (-110)