NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Rangers vs. Oilers

Rangers vs. Oilers Odds

The New York Rangers are red hot as they head to Edmonton to take on the Oilers. The Rangers have won six in a row, are 8-1-1 in their past 10 games and are continuing to ascend in the Metropolitan Division.

Edmonton was red hot before the All-Star break, winning seven of eight, but things have since been a grind for the Oilers, who are 2-1-1 since coming back from the break.

Here’s a look at our odds, as well as our prediction for the New York Rangers vs. Edmonton Oilers.

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New York Rangers

Ever since acquiring Vladimir Tarasenko, it seems as if the Rangers have been unstoppable. New York was always a solid team, but acquiring Tarasenko can put them over the edge. Along with Tarasenko, Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad and Adam Fox are also legit stars in this league and producing at an exceptional pace.

New York has always had a hard time driving play and perhaps acquiring Tarasenko will change that. The Rangers are 20th in expected goals with a 50.32 xGF% and are decent at creating high danger chances.

The Rangers excel defensively and are only allowing 2.65 goals per game. They also rank 13th in expected goals against.

Goaltending has been such a strong suit for the Rangers and reigning Vezina winner Igor Shesterkin has played a big role. Shesterkin is having an incredible 2023 after a rough start to the season with a .929 SV% and a +15.0 goals saved above expected.

Edmonton Oilers

Connor McDavid is having a historic season, which is nothing new for the dynamic center. He’s by far the points leader with 99 points in 55 games. Leon Draisaitl is also having a phenomenal year with 80 points in 53 games. Additionally, both Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman are on pace for career years.

With such a wonderful offensive arsenal, the Oilers are one of the best offensive teams in the league. They rank seventh in even strength expected goals with a 53.66 xGF% and are eighth in high danger chances.

Edmonton is OK on the defensive end, though it could be better. It allows about 3.2 goals per game and does an OK job in expected goals against, ranking 17th.

Slowly but surely, goaltending is becoming a strength for Edmonton. Stuart Skinner is continuing to have a great All-Star season with a .929 SV% since January 1 and a +1.3 GSAx. Jack Campbell is also finding his game after a dreadful start. In the new year, Campbell is playing to a .909 SV%. If I had to guess, I think Skinner starts, but it’s worth monitoring.

Rangers vs. Oilers Pick

The Rangers are on fire, but the Oilers are never to be taken lightly. In fact, the only time Shesterkin has squared off against the Oilers, he suffered a loss with an .875 SV%.

Edmonton’s goaltending will always be a question mark. Even though both netminders are doing well, the defense sometimes leaves them out to dry.

I would be much more bullish on the Rangers if they were better at driving play in even strength. The power play is what drives their offense, especially with the addition of Tarasenko, and Edmonton’s penalty kill is as below average as it gets.

However, I’m much more confident in Edmonton’s ability to generate offense. It leads the league in goals per game and owns the best power play at 31%. As good as Shesterkin is, I’m much more confident in McDavid, Draisaitl and Co. to take the reins. Edmonton's offensive firepower is just too much. Despite the Rangers hot streak, I’m banking on the Oilers in regulation.

Pick: Edmonton Oilers 60-Minute Line (+130)