Rangers vs Oilers Odds
| Rangers Odds | -120 |
| Oilers Odds | +100 |
| Over / Under | 6.5 -102 / -120 |
The New York Rangers are set to visit the Edmonton Oilers and are looking to continue their solid start to the season, which includes wins in three of their past four games
It’s obviously still early, but I’m worried about the Oilers as they've gone from a team that had high hopes of contending for the Stanley Cup to one that misses Connor McDavid and has just one win in six games.
Here’s a look at the odds, as well as my New York Rangers vs. Edmonton Oilers betting prediction.
New York Rangers
After last year’s first-round disappointment, the Rangers have something to prove. Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider are both lighting up the scoresheet. Adam Fox remains one of hockey’s elite defensemen and both Filip Chytil and Mika Zibanejad have been dishing the puck like it’s no one’s business.
For years, the Rangers have had poor showings on offense and have had to rely on their goaltending. This year, they’ve done a better job. New York ranks 13th in expected goals with a 51.99 xGF% and has been just as good defensively with an exceptional 2.39 xGA/60.
Similar to last year, New York’s power play is absolutely dynamite and scoring 30% of the time. It has the perfect set of playmakers in Fox and Panarin, dishing it to finishers in Kreider and Zibanejad. The penalty kill has been decent, stopping 16-of-20 tries.
Barring any changes, I would expect to see Igor Shesterkin in net. The former Vezina trophy winner has solidified himself as an elite goaltender. However, Shesterkin is off to a shaky start compared to his standard. He’s playing to an .897 SV% and a -0.5 goals saved above expected (GSAx).
Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton is putting itself in trouble. McDavid is gone and while Leon Draisaitl can be the star of the show, it’s just not the same without 97. Aside from the two head honchos, the usual suspects in Evan Bouchard, Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have been exceptional. However, the depth has done nothing of note and that's partly responsible for the Oilers’ struggles.
Edmonton has driven play at a fairly mediocre rate of 51.9 xGF%. Luckily, the Oilers can be highly explosive, so high danger chances are at a premium. Defensively, they’ve been just OK with a 2.73 xGA/60.
The power play is and always will be a strength. Even though McDavid’s out, Edmonton creates a lot of opportunities with the man advantage. With poor goaltending, the penalty kill is going to be exposed. Edmonton tries it's best when down a man, but only succeeds 75% of the time.
Goaltending has been abhorrent. It seemed like the Oilers had their net situation settled prior to this year, but Jack Campbell isn’t living up to his contract and Stuart Skinner, who I’m expecting to start tonight, isn’t any better. Skinner’s numbers are very troublesome — an .814 SV% and a -5.1 GSAx.
Rangers vs. Oilers
Betting Pick & Prediction
This was supposed to be a battle of powerhouses, but that's no longer the case. If Edmonton is to get back on track, winning tonight will certainly be a good start. However, I’m not sure I can trust the Oilers right now.
New York is really good and can certainly limit whatever the Oilers try to throw its way. The Oilers will continue to get their opportunities, but Shesterkin has consistently proven why he’s elite.
The Rangers’ weapons will also be too much for Edmonton’s fragile goaltending to handle. Skinner really faltered in the playoffs and it doesn’t look like he’s gained much confidence. Additionally, Campbell is a shell of his Toronto self. Can either of those two be prepared to handle the likes of Panarin, Kreider, Zibanejad or Fox? I’m banking on no.
Pick: New York Rangers 60 Minute Moneyline +125 (Play to +150)
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