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The Edmonton Oilers and the Vancouver Canucks open their 2023-24 National Hockey League regular seasons Wednesday at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. Puck drop is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Oilers vs. Canucks odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Oilers have dominated this series, winning 6 of the past 7 games, including a 4-2 win in their most recent visit to Vancouver on Jan. 21. Edmonton has won its past 3 trips to British Columbia, outscoring Vancouver 9-5 but with 2 of the games decided by a single goal.
The Canucks had a rough preseason as they struggled to light the lamp. Vancouver managed 1 goal or was shut out in 4 of its 6 tune-up games, including a 2-1 overtime loss in Edmonton. However, it did top Edmonton 5-2 on Sept. 30 at Rogers Arena to earn one of its 2 preseason victories.
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Oilers at Canucks odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:03 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Oilers -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Canucks +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Oilers -1.5 (+140) | Canucks +1.5 (-165)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -135 | U: +110)
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Oilers at Canucks projected goalies
Stuart Skinner (29-14-5, 2.75 GAA, .914 SV%, 1 SO – 2022-23) vs. Thatcher Demko (14-14-4, 3.16 GAA, .901 SV% , 1 SO)
Skinner was very steady last season, posting very similar numbers at home and on the road. He won 29 games in the regular season and was 1-1-0 with a 3.05 GAA and .897 SV% in 2 starts against the Canucks.
Demko was much better at home in 2022-23 with a 2.77 GAA as opposed to a 3.65 GAA on the road, although he was .500 both at home and away. He made just one start against the Oilers last season, and it didn’t go well, allowing 4 goals on just 24 shots in a 5-3 loss in Edmonton on Oct. 12, 2022.
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Oilers at Canucks picks and predictions
Prediction
Oilers 4, Canucks 2
Moneyline
The OILERS (-160) are a little on the pricey side, but they’re the play based on previous success in the series. Demko is coming off the worst season of his career, while Skinner has been fairly even whether he is at home or on the road. And, don’t forget Edmonton is the team with the dynamic duo of C Connor McDavid and C Leon Draisaitl, too.
Puck line/Against the spread
The OILERS -1.5 (+140) are worth a look on the puck line, as Edmonton cashed on the puck line in 2 of the past 3 meetings with Vancouver as a favorite. Until the Canucks show that they’re a little better offensively, keep fading Vancouver when facing Edmonton.
Over/Under
UNDER 6.5 (+110) is worth a look at plus money, especially based on the head-to-head total trends. The Under has cashed at a 6-1-1 clip in the past 8 meetings in this series.
An Under play is dangerous when the Oilers are involved as they can score goals quickly, and in bunches. But 6.5 is a big number, too, and the goaltenders tend to be a little ahead of the offenses early on.
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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