NHL Odds, Pick, Prediction: Sharks vs. Oilers (March 24)

Sharks vs. Oilers Odds

Edmonton welcomes San Jose north of the border for Thursday's NHL clash.

The Oilers is coming off an absolute roller coaster of a game against Dallas on Tuesday night. They came back from a 2-1 deficit in the third period, taking a 3-2 lead before suffering a 5-3 defeat.

As for the Sharks, they've won two consecutive games, with their last outing ending in comeback fashion. San Jose was down 3-2 going into the final 20 minutes before scoring two unanswered goals to earn a 4-3 win over Calgary.

San Jose Sharks

The Sharks are looking to complete the sweep of their trip to Alberta, but they are missing several key members from their lineup. Upfront, Timo Meier (who is probable to play, but still hurt), Kevin Labanc and Matt Nieto are absent, while on the backend they're without their assistant captain Mario Ferraro.

Despite missing so many players, the Sharks are finding ways to score goals. They have registered 11 goals in their last three games, so if they can keep up the production, they might be able to get themselves into the playoffs.

Right now, San Jose is only eight points back of a postseason spot and just traded for Kaapo Kahkonen from the Minnesota Wild, who is set to make his debut against the Oilers. He could be a huge addition to this group. Even though James Reimer and Aidan Hill have been solid, Kahkonen has put up a 12-8-3 record. He has a .910 save percentage and a +0.1 GSAx, giving San Jose a good one-two punch in goal.

The Sharks' 27th ranked offense will have to step it up if they want to keep pace with the surging Oilers forwards. San Jose only averages 2.62 goals per game and they will need more than that if they want to have a chance.

Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers are starting to look their best. Even though they've lost their last two games, they are generating offense and taking over contests.

Edmonton played an incredible 55 minutes in Dallas, but took its foot off the gas for a quick second and spoiled its chance at a huge road win. Despite losing their previous two games, the Oilers won five in a row before that and have been scoring goals at will.

In their last five-game span, Edmonton has tallied a total of 24 goals, thanks to the domination of Connor McDavid and Leon Draistail, along with arguably the best acquisition a team has made this season in Evander Kane. He has fit in very nicely with this group of forwards, recording 14 goals in 25 games.

The Oilers won the first meeting between these teams, besting the Sharks, 3-0, in San Jose and look to give that same exact effort in this meeting.

Mike Smith is the expected starter in goal. He rested in the last game, but in his previous start in Colorado, he stood on his head and gave it a great chance to win. Smith stopped 28 of 31 shots, but made a ton of huge, timely saves.

Needless to say, this will be a solid battle.

The must-have app for NHL bettors

The best NHL betting scoreboard

Free picks from proven pros

Live win probabilities for your bets

DOWNLOAD NOW

Sharks vs. Oilers Pick

Even though both teams have trended in opposite directions over their last two games, I think Edmonton has the edge in this contest.

The Oilers outshot the Sharks by a 41-20 margin in their last meeting and that just goes to show you how much more dominant they are. Remember, Edmonton was the road team in that game.

There is some added pressure for Kahkonen in his first start with a new side that's on the outside of the playoffs looking in. Playing on the road in Edmonton isn't easy for any goaltender, let alone someone making a debut.

Even though the Oilers have lost two in a row, I have loved the way they played and competed those contests. I think being back on home ice will help get them in the win column and expect them to do it in regulation.

Pick: Edmonton to Win in Regulation (-160)