Oilers vs. Penguins Odds
| Oilers Odds | +125 |
| Penguins Odds | -155 |
| Over/Under | 6.5 (-130 / +150) |
| Time | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+ |
| Odds via BetMGM. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. | |
The Pacific Division's second-place Edmonton Oilers travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Metropolitan Division's third-place Penguins.
This is the second meeting between these two teams this season, as the Oilers won the first matchup, 5-2, at home back at the start of December.
Will Edmonton grab another victory against Pittsburgh, or can the Penguins get their revenge on home ice?
Oilers Struggle Away From Home
The Edmonton Oilers enter this contest following Sunday's 5-2 road loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Traveling on the road has not been an easy task for Edmonton this season, as its record drops to just 20-15-5 when playing away from home.
Over their last nine games as a road underdog, the Oilers are just 2-7. Of those seven losses, five have been by at least a two-goal margin.
Edmonton received some bad news today, as defenseman Darnell Nurse will be shut down for at least the rest of the regular season, which is a blow to a blue line that already is very poor. This season, Edmonton ranks just 23rd in the league in five-on-five expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA).
This defense may particularly struggle to stop Pittsburgh, as the Pens possess one of the best offenses in the league. Add in the fact that Edmonton is playing at PPG Paints Arena, and containing Sidney Crosby & Co. will be a tough task.
Pens Looking to Rebound From Ugly Defeat
The Pittsburgh Penguins return home following Sunday's 4-1 road loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. While that is an awful loss to surrender, returning home provides a great bounce-back opportunity for the Penguins.
Over their last 10 home games as a favorite, the Penguins are 7-3. Of those seven wins, six have been by at least a two-goal margin.
Casey DeSmith is the projected starting goaltender for the Penguins in this matchup, and he has really settled in nicely during regular-starter Tristan Jarry's absence. DeSmith has now allowed two or fewer goals in four of his last five starts, boasting an exceptional 0.944 save percentage over that stretch.
Pittsburgh's blue line should provide DeSmith plenty of protection, as the Penguins' defense has been exceptional this season. Currently, Pittsburgh ranks fourth in the league in five-on-five expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA).
This combination of defense and goaltending should certainly be enough to combat Edmonton's offensive firepower, something that Pittsburgh's forward group can also match. This season, the Penguins rank eighth in the league in five-on-five expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF).
Oilers vs. Penguins Pick
Edmonton has been hot recently, as it has won 10 of its last 13 games. Meanwhile, the Penguins have lost seven of their last 11 games.
These trends are why I believe we are getting such long odds on Pittsburgh's puck line, which is my play for this game. Edmonton has been playing better than it really is, while Pittsburgh has been playing worse than it really is. That presents a perfect buying opportunity on the Penguins.
Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins -1.5 (+150) | Play down to (+135)
