Both the Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks have the same goal: to end the Canadian Stanley Cup drought. It’s been a long 31 years since any of the Canadian teams took home a cup, and both Edmonton and Vancouver have had chances. The two playoff hopefuls hope to set the tone on a potential Cup-winning season in their matchup on Saturday.
The Oilers have the edge at -175 on the Moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook, while the Canucks are listed at +145. The total is set at 5.5 goals. Let’s get into a preview, prediction, and pick for this matchup between the Oilers and Canucks.
Oilers vs. Canucks preview, prediction
Vancouver grandly announced itself on their opening night. Facing a fellow Canadian team, the Calgary Flames, they raced out to a 4-0 lead and ended up winning 5-1. That included two goals from Filip Chytil, one of which came in comical fashion.
Vancouver has the talent to take a step forward offensively this season. If the blue line can hold up and number-one netminder Thatcher Demko can put together a strong season, they’re a frisky postseason candidate in the Western Conference.
Edmonton’s first game also came against the Flames, but with less success. Despite seven combined points from Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, they fell in overtime to a Blake Coleman goal. The best teams have short memories, and the Oilers will have to put the loss behind them so they can dial in against Vancouver.
Oilers vs. Canucks pick, best bet
Without a doubt, the Oilers’ high-octane offense will come out to play. But Vancouver’s forwards will come to play as well and make this one entertaining. Even if Edmonton runs away on the strength of McDavid and Draisaitl, Vancouver’s stars will keep them close.
