NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Oilers vs. Sharks

Oilers vs. Sharks Odds

In Friday's nightcap, there is a Pacific Division tilt with the seventh-place San Jose Sharks hosting the fifth-place Edmonton Oilers. This matchup serves as the first of four meetings between these divisional opponents this season.

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

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Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers look to build upon Wednesday night's 6-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks as they continue their California swing. Edmonton jumped out to a dominant start, winning the first period 4-1.

In fact, the Oilers have now won the first period in four of their past five 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 ninth in the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60). This powerhouse offense should be problematic for San Jose, especially at the beginning of the game.

San Jose Sharks

Slow starts have plagued the San Jose Sharks over the past month. Over the Sharks past eight games, San Jose is 0-8 ATS in the first period.

This trend should continue with goaltender James Reimer slated to take the crease for San Jose. Through 23 starts this season, the veteran netminder is 7-13-3 with an .895 save percentage (SV%) and a 3.26 goals against average (GAA).

Based on his metrics, brighter days are unlikely for Reimer. Among starting goaltenders, he ranks second-to-last in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5-on-5.

This poor play is likely to continue against Edmonton, a team Reimer has struggled mightily against over the past couple of seasons. Over his past 10 starts against the Oilers, Reimer is 2-3-5 with a .872 SV% and a 3.74 GAA. He's also allowed three or more goals in nine of those 10 outings.

Oilers vs. Sharks Pick

As fade-worthy as Reimer has been this season, it is worth noting that goaltender Jack Campbell is slated to start for the Oilers. Campbell's tenure in Edmonton has been disastrous to say the least.

However, his play is starting to slightly tick up. Over his past four appearances, Campbell boasts a .902 SV% and a 2.02 GAA.

This upswing should continue against San Jose, a club he has previously fared well against. Through three career starts against the Sharks, Campbell possesses a .910 SV% and a 2.69 GAA.

With the track records of these goaltenders, the way McDavid has the Oilers rolling offensively and the Sharks' slow starts, all signs point toward fading San Jose early.

Pick: Oilers 1P -0.5 (+145) | Play Down to (+130)