Oilers vs. Jets NHL Odds, Picks, Predictions: Back Edmonton To Stay Perfect Under Woodcroft (February 19)

Oilers vs. Jets Odds

Edmonton heads into Winnipeg looking to remain undefeated and move to 5-0 in interim head coach Jay Woodcroft's tenure, but it will have no easy task against a Jets team in the midst of a 4-1-1 hot stretch.

Can Winnipeg manage to keep Connor McDavid and company at bay?

Oilers Remain Unbeaten With Woodcroft

Jay Woodcroft may have come in at just the right time, taking over an Oilers team that's analytical play suggested somewhat of an upswing was in order. Regardless, he is yet to lose in his short NHL tenure, and Edmonton has played to a +12 goal differential with four regulation wins with him in charge.

A 58.90 expected goals rate over the four games suggests the positive results are likely to continue, although it would be fair to say they have played some easy competition over that span, with only LA likely to make the playoffs.

However, Edmonton will face another squad currently out of the playoff mix here against the Jets, and the Oilers' newfound top nine up front should pose problems for a Jets team lacking much in the way of defensive depth.

With Evander Kane making a notable difference in posting eight points in nine games so far this season, the Oilers are offering a more balanced lineup up front. Leon Draisaitl is currently enjoying the extra offensive support with a proven scorer in Kane on the second unit.

The Oilers never figured to be led by their back end, but they have managed acceptable play in that regard as of late, albeit against some very lackluster offensive units. Markus Niemelainen is currently showing some upside on the bottom pair, while William Lagesson is arguably offering an upgrade for the now injured Duncan Keith on the second pair.

Mike Smith will likely get a chance to build on a much stronger run of play here, holding a .939 save % over his last three starts.

Altogether this season Smith holds a -2.2 goals saved above expected rating with a .904 save % throughout a small 11-game sample size, but I would argue it's unlikely he plays above league average level over a larger sample.

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Jets Are in Mild Ascent, As Well

Winnipeg is no doubt in the midst of an upswing itself, posting a 4-1-1 record with a strong 54.6 xGF% over its last six games. My take on this game is overall more of a comment on where I think the Oilers are at: I do not foresee the Jets being as likely to continue their recent strong play.

The Jets will enter this one still short Nikolaj Ehlers, as well now as Cole Perfetti up front. It's hard to argue the current unit holds as much talent as the Oilers' offensive group, and I think we can see Edmonton manage another acceptable defensive performance against this current Jets lineup.

Defensively, Winnipeg is skating some gettable pieces on the back end, and I think we could see McDavid, Draisaitl and company cause some issues in transition against this Jets group.

As well, the Jets hold the league's sixth worst penalty-killing unit, and that could be a big problem should the Oilers draw some calls, with Edmonton's powerplay still sitting at third best in the league.

Connor Hellebuyck certainly offers a big argument as to why the Jets could take this one, however, having been strong again this season with a +15.2 goals saved above expected rating and a .913 save % throughout 40 games played this season.

Oilers-Jets Pick

The Oilers have clearly found some really strong form as of late under Woodcroft, and I like the chances we see them able to keep their strong offensive play rolling here against a Jets team lacking depth on the back end.

Edmonton will be the popular play on this one, as I would argue it should be, and my expectation is that the Oilers should be able to generate more in the way of high-danger chances. The only concern will be the edge the Jets hold in goal with Hellebuyck compared to Smith or Skinner.

I would still argue the Oilers hold some notable flaws, but to me this sets up as a good chance to control more of the play and help insulate some of their defenders who are not so strong playing inside the defensive zone.

At -135 I think we still have enough of an edge to back the Oilers to stay hot and post another win here, led by their hungry top duo of McDavid and Draisaitl desperate to finally find some more team success this year.

Pick: Edmonton Oilers Moneyline -135 | Play to -145