Thursday’s NHL slate is filled with talent and great head-to-head matchups — and this game between the New York Rangers and the Edmonton Oilers is a prime example. Immense talents and skilled rosters will clash in Canada for this exciting showdown.
On DraftKings Sportsbook, Edmonton is a firm -162 Moneyline favorite at home, and the game’s total is set at 5.5 goals. New York is the road underdog, priced at +136 on the moneyline. Let’s get into a prediction and pick for this Rangers-Oilers showdown.
Rangers vs. Oilers prediction, preview
The Rangers have one of the most uneven styles in the NHL. Currently top five in defense and bottom five in offense, they have no choice but to win grinder games, and it hasn’t gone well at 4-5-2. Adam Fox continues to produce from the blueline, but their top offensive forwards are showing their age. Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and JT Miller are all 32 or older. Either the youth need to step up, or the veterans have to rechannel their past dominance. Something needs to change offensively for the Rangers to have a shot at the playoffs.
Edmonton’s team balance is heading in the opposite direction. The defense has taken a huge step back from last season, while the offense continues to be a top-10 group. It’s a point of concern for the Stanley Cup hopefuls — but as long as you have Connor McDavid, you have a chance.
So, who comes out on top in this stylistic clash?
Rangers vs. Oilers pick, best bet
It’s not hard to see why the Oilers are the favorites. Top-tier talents like McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are formidable to contain for any defense. Meanwhile, this subpar Rangers offense isn’t much of a threat to go off, even against a rough Oilers blue line. Still, I think there’s enough offense in New York to cash the over in a potentially exciting matchup between the top lines.
