Minnesota Wild vs. Edmonton Oilers Betting Preview 2/21/20

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Rogers Place is playing host to an intriguing tilt as the Minnesota Wild pay a visit to the Edmonton Oilers. It’s the third and last time that these two clubs will go at it in the regular season. The first puck will drop at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, February 21, and you are able to see this Western Conference matchup live on Sportsnet West.

Minnesota Wild at Edmonton Oilers Odds

Each team currently has an identical -110 moneyline in this one, and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at an even 6 goals (-130 to bet the under, +110 for the over).

Earning moneyline bettors 6.2 units, the Oilers are 32-28 straight up (SU) overall in the 2019-20 season. That winning percentage, the best in the Pacific Division so far in this young season, is a surprising turnaround from what the team managed during the 2018-19 season (35-47). Through 60 regular season matches, 29 of its games have gone over the total, while 28 have gone under and just three have pushed. The team is 15-14 SU at home this year.

Edmonton currently has the second-strongest power-play unit in the NHL, as it’s converted on 29.1 percent of their extra-man opportunities this season. On the other hand, its penalty kill is rated second overall, and it’s successfully killed off 84.8 percent of all penalties.

Edmonton, as a collective unit, has been penalized 3.5 times per game overall this season, and 4.1 per game over its past ten matchups. The team has been forced to stave off opposition power plays for 8.8 minutes per game over its last five outings, overall.

With a .911 save percentage and 27.3 saves per game, Mikko Koskinen (17-15-2) has been the primary goalkeeper for the Oilers this year. If the Oilers choose to rest him, however, head coach Dave Tippett might go with Mike Smith (16-17-17 record, .905 save percentage, 2.89 goals against average).

Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid will both look to continue their strong seasons for the Oilers. Draisaitl (95 points) has tallied 34 goals and 61 assists and has recorded multiple points on 29 different occasions this year. McDavid has 30 goals and 51 assists to his credit and has notched at least one point in 40 contests.

In the other locker room, Minnesota is 28-31 straight up (SU) and has lost 3.0 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 59 regular season contests, 28 of its games have gone over the total, while 26 have gone under the total and just five have pushed. As an away team, Minnesota is 11-17 SU so far.

Minnesota has converted on 21.7 percent of its power play chances this year, a mark that’s good enough for 10th-best in the league. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 30th overall and it’s successfully defended 75.3 percent of all penalties.

Minnesota’s skaters have been penalized 3.6 times per game in total this season, 3.2 per game over their past five match ups total, and 3.6 per game over their last five on the road. The team’s had to kill penalties just 7.4 minutes per game over their last five outings.

Alex Stalock (2.68 goals against average and .909 save percentage) has been the main option in goal for Minnesota. Stalock is averaging 25.3 saves per game and has 15 wins, 15 losses, and four OT losses to his credit.

Eric Staal (17 goals, 24 assists) and Kevin Fiala (15 goals, 24 assists) are the top point-getters for Minnesota and will lead the attack for the visiting Wild.

Minnesota Wild at Edmonton Oilers Betting Predictions

Prediction: SU Winner – Wild, O/U – Under

Betting Trends

  • Two of Minnesota’s last ten games have gone to a shootout. The team is 1-1 in those games and 2-3 overall in shootouts this season.
  • For both of these teams, the game went under the total in three of their past five outings.
  • Minnesota skaters created 19.5 hits per game last season, while the Oilers accounted for 26.7 hits per contest.