Two teams squaring off for the second time this season, the Chicago Blackhawks and the Edmonton Oilers meet at Rogers Place in a Western Conference showdown. Sportsnet ONE will showcase the action, which gets going at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, December 29.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Edmonton Oilers Odds
Edmonton is 17-20 straight up (SU) and has lost 6.8 units for moneyline bettors this year. That early-season winning percentage is a big slide from what the team managed during the 2016-17 season (47-35). Among its 37 games this season, 18 have gone over the total, while another 18 have gone under and just one has pushed. The teams 8-10 SU at home this year.
The Oilers have converted on just 16.7 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a mark that places them in the bottom-10 overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked 30th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 73.7 percent of all penalties.
The Oilers, as a collective unit, have been penalized 4.0 times per game overall this season, and 3.0 per game over their last five matchups home outings. The team has had to stave off opposition power plays for just 7.5 minutes per game over their last 10 outings, in total.
Averaging 26.4 saves per game with a .907 save percentage, Cam Talbot (14-13-1) has been the top option in goal for the Oilers this year. If the Oilers, however, decide to give him a breather, the team might turn to Laurent Brossoit (3-10-10 record, .886 save percentage, 3.22 goals against average).
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will both spearhead the attack for the Oilers. McDavid (45 points) is up to 14 goals and 31 assists and has recorded multiple points on 11 separate occasions this year. Draisaitl has nine goals and 22 assists to his name and has recorded at least one point in 19 contests.
Chicago is 17-19 straight up (SU) and has lost 4.0 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 36 regular season outings, 20 of its games have gone under the total, while 13 have gone over and just two have pushed. The Blackhawks are 7-12 SU as the visiting team this season.
The Blackhawks have converted on just 14.2 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a mark that places them in the bottom- overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 12th overall and it’s successfully killed off 82.1 percent of all opponent power plays.
Chicago’s players have been penalized 3.8 times per game in total this season, and 3.0 per game over their last ten contests. The team has had to stave off opponent power plays just 7.6 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Corey Crawford (.929 save percentage and 2.27 goals against average) has been the primary option in goal for Chicago. Crawford is averaging 27.9 saves per game and owns a 16-12-2 record.
Patrick Kane (15 goals, 21 assists) will lead the attack for the visiting Blackhawks.
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Edmonton Oilers Betting Predictions
Predictions: SU Winner – Blackhawks, O/U – Over
Betting Notes
- The total has gone under in three of Edmonton’s last five games.
- This game features two clubs that attempt a lot of shots on goal. Chicago has taken the leagues fourth-most shots on goal (34.6) while Edmonton has attempted the sixth-most (34.4).
- Over Chicago’s last ten games, eight of them have been decided by two or more goals (the team is 3-5 in those games).
- The Oilers this season have recorded the second-most hits per game (27.0).
