NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Oilers vs Red Wings (Thursday, January 11)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 09: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers looks on in the first period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on January 09, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images)
Oilers vs. Red Wings Odds
| Oilers Odds | -170 |
| Red Wings Odds | +140 |
| Over / Under | 7 -105 / -115 |
Here's everything you need to know about the Edmonton Oilers vs. Detroit Red Wings on Thursday, Jan. 11 – our expert NHL prediction and pick.
It was an ugly win for the Oilers on Tuesday, winning 2-1 against the Blackhawks. Needless to say, even though the play wasn’t exactly what they were looking for, the Oilers are on a heater. They’ve won their last eight games, and it’s their second eight-game streak this season.
While it’s not at the same level as their opponents, the Red Wings are also riding a winning streak. They pulled off a close win against the Ducks by a score of 3-2. The month of December was riddled with inconsistencies, but it seems as if Detroit is finding its way.
At this point, if Connor McDavid doesn’t register a point in a game, I’ll be shocked. The generational talent has 45 points in his last 24 games. Leon Draisaitl is also on a tear, with goals in seven out of his last nine games. Beyond its stars, Edmonton also has Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Evan Bouchard averaging over a point per game.
Edmonton essentially does everything right 5-on-5. It has the number one offense in expected goals with a 57.7 xGF% and ranks ninth defensively with a 2.48 xGA/60.
If you didn’t know the Oilers have one of the best power plays, you have been living under a rock. They score at a 25.8% clip, and on the penalty kill rank 12th at 80.7%.
Stuart Skinner has received the bulk of the starts since the Oilers waived Jack Campbell. I would expect him to start again, even if I think he should get a rest. After a tremendously rough start to the season, Skinner has picked his game up, playing to a .952 SV% in his last six starts. He also has a -6.0 goals saved above expected (GSAx) which is drastically better than where he was earlier this season.
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There’s definitely a lot to like about the Red Wings, and it starts with sniper Alex DeBrincat. DeBrincat will look to get back on the wagon, as he hasn’t scored in four games. They’ve also received decent production from captain Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond who has points in four out of his last five games.
Conversely to their opponents, the Red Wings aren’t a very good 5-on-5 team. They’re 24th with a 47.7 xGF% and 19th with a 2.72 xGA/60.
Luckily, what helps them is their special teams. Scoring on the power play 21.9% of the time definitely helps, and the penalty kill is solid at 81.6%.
Detroit has been in goaltender turmoil all year but Alex Lyon stepped in and picked up the slack. Lyon has proved to be a valuable asset to teams, and in his first season with the Wings, is playing to a .920 SV% in 12 starts, with a 5.2 GSAx.
Oilers vs. Red Wings
Betting Pick & Prediction
Rarely ever do you see a hockey game have a total of 7.5. As enticing as it may sound to bet at plus-value, I’m going to stay away from it.
Despite the high end talent on both ends, there are two goaltenders performing at a high level here. Lyon proved his worth last year helping Florida with its Stanley Cup run, and now he’s stopping pucks at a high rate once again. Along with that, Skinner has done well for himself after a historically bad start to the season.
McDavid and Draisaitl are always threats, and for Detroit, it seems like DeBrincat is heating up. However, right now Edmonton is the premier team. While it put up a stinker against Chicago (and still won), the Oilers have a well oiled machine on all ends of the ice. Their 5-on-5 attack will be no match for the Wings, who consist of mostly minus players.
I see the Oilers winning in regulation.
Pick: Oilers 60 Minute ML (-115)
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