Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Edmonton Oilers vs Vancouver Canucks. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs roll on.
NHL Predictions
Vancouver Canucks vs Edmonton Oilers
Series Head-t0-Head: Canucks 3-2 Oilers
TV: ESPN, Sportsnet, CBC, TVAS
We’ve only got one game for tonight’s NHL predictions and Vancouver is trying close out Edmonton.The Canucks have been good at making adjustments in the series. However so have the Oilers. A date with the Dallas Stars awaits the winner of this series and Vancouver wants to the one to play Dallas. However, Edmonton still has plenty to say in the series.
The teams have alternated wins and losses in the series so far. However, the Canucks are more than capable of closing out the series on the road. Vancouver won Game 3 in Edmonton and wants to repeat that feat in Game 6.
Here’s a look at the storylines and stats for both teams going into this game.
The Canucks Story
Arturs Silovs should get the call in between the pipes for the Canucks. Thatcher Demko could be closing in on a return. However, Silovs has more than earned his spot in the crease for Vancouver. Brock Boeser and J.T. Miller each have 12 points to lead the team while Elias Lindholm and Quinn Hughes each have nine. Head coach Rick Tocchet called out his team after a lacklustre performance in Game 4. Vancouver naturally responded and put itself one game away from the last four.
The Oilers Story
Stuart Skinner is listed as the current starter, but always check social media before locking in a starter. Calvin Pickard got the win in Game 4, but was brought to Earth in Game 4. Edmonton would love to get on the power play to really get out and have a high-scoring game. Leon Draisaitl is the first player this post-season to 20 points with 21 in just 10 games played. Connor McDavid is right behind the German standout with 18. Defenceman Evan Bouchard, Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are also in double-digits in points so far.
Prediction
This series has been back-and-forth with counters and re-counters from both coaches. Tocchet and Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch have been able to adjust what the other team has been able to do.
The Oilers know there’s no tomorrow if they lose this game. They have to get on the board early and force the tempo in this one. Vancouver is going to do all it can to close out this series. Getting the first goal is going to set the tone for this game.
However, we’ll continue with the alternating wins and losses in this one. This one is headed to a Game 7 in British Columbia.
Prediction: Oilers win 4-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We’ve got some prop bets lined up for tonight’s games. The over/under for tonight’s game is around six depending on the sports book. Go with either the under or a push depending on where you wager.
As for the individual teams, go with Boeser to get the over on +0.5 goals. Edmonton’s best bet seems to be Draisaitl. Go with the over on +1.5 points since he’s been averaging over two per game. Also try to get action on the over on +0.5 power play points if you can get that.
Main photo by: Bob Frid- USA TODAY Sports
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The post NHL Predictions: May 18 w/ Vancouver Canucks vs Edmonton Oilers appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.