Colorado Avalanche at Edmonton Oilers Game 4 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Colorado Avalanche at Edmonton Oilers Game 4 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers meet for Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals Monday at Rogers Place in Edmonton. Puck drop is at 8 p.m. ET (TNT). The Avalanche lead the series 3-0. Below, we look at the Avalanche vs. Oilers Game 4 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Avalanche picked up a 4-2 road victory in Game 3, but that victory came with a huge price. LW Evander Kane of the Oilers boarded C Nazem Kadri just 66 seconds into the game, and the latter suffered a suspected broken thumb. Head coach Jared Bednar said the forward is out for at least the remainder of this series.

The Oilers suffered an injury of their own, as C Leon Draisaitl briefly left the game after what some fans are calling a slew foot by C Nathan MacKinnon. Draisaitl has performed admirably despite an ankle injury suffered earlier in the spring, and he apparently aggravated the ailment but was able to return.

Avalanche at Oilers odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:38 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Avalanche -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Oilers +102 (bet $100 to win $102)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Avalanche -1.5 (+170) | Oilers +1.5 (-230)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -150 | U: +120)

Avalanche at Oilers projected goalies

Pavel Francouz (5-0-0, 2.37 GAA, .920 SV%, 1 SO – postseason) vs. Mike Smith (8-5-0, 3.18 GAA, .917 SV%, 2 SO – postseason)

Francouz made his 2nd consecutive start in place of G Darcy Kuemper in Game 3 and he turned aside 27 of the 29 shots he faced for his 2nd straight win. That strong performance followed up a shutout in Game 2.

Smith wasn’t awful in Game 3; he was actually quite good, stopping 39 of the 42 shots he faced. It was easily his best showing of the series, but still not quite good enough.

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Avalanche at Oilers picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 4, Oilers 2

Money line

The AVALANCHE (-125) are likely to rally around the injury to Kadri, as Colorado feels as if the hit was dangerous and reckless. Toss in the fact the Oilers will now be without Evander Kane, the team’s leading goal scorer in the playoffs, and it will be too much for the home side to overcome. Expect the Avs to finish off the sweep, and handshakes to ensue.

Against the spread

The AVALANCHE -1.5 (+170) are worth a roll of the dice on the puck line. Colorado has covered the puck line in all 3 games so far. The Avs picked up the empty-net goal late in Game 3 Saturday for the cover. If you like Colorado to win, you should also like it to do so by at least 2 goals.

Over/Under

The UNDER 6.5 (+120) is the play here. Edmonton has its backs to the wall, and it should post its best defensive effort. Plus, the Oilers are without a key offensive player due to suspension.

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Edmonton Oilers at Colorado Avalanche Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Edmonton Oilers at Colorado Avalanche Game 2 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche meet for Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals Thursday at Ball Arena in Denver. Puck drop is at 8 p.m. ET (TNT). The Avalanche lead the series 1-0. Below, we look at the Oilers vs. Avalanche Game 2 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Oilers lost a high-scoring 8-6 battle in Game 1. G Mike Smith was pulled after allowing 6 goals, going down 6-3. Edmonton was able to close to within 7-6 at one point behind the play of G Mikko Koskinen, but it couldn’t get over the hump.

The Avalanche scored a playoff-high 8 goals in Game 1, but the victory came with a price. G Darcy Kuemper left the game shortly after Smith was pulled with an upper-body injury. G Pavel Francouz became the 4th goaltender in the game and is likely to start Game 2.

Oilers at Avalanche odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:55 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Oilers +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Avalanche -180 (bet $180 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Oilers +1.5 (-150) | Avalanche -1.5 (+120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: +100 | U: -125)

Oilers at Avalanche projected goalies

Mike Smith (8-3-0, 3.12 GAA, .917 SV%, 2 SO – postseason) vs. Pavel Francouz (3-0-0, 3.59 GAA, .889 SV% – postseason)

Smith was yanked in Game 1 after yielding 6 goals on 25 shots in just 26:20. He is still likely to get the nod over Mikko Koskinen, who allowed just 1 goal on 21 shots. However, if Smith gets off to another slow start, a short leash wouldn’t be shocking.

Francouz allowed 3 goals on 21 shots in relief of Kuemper for the victory. The Swiss-born netminder is now 3-0 with a 3.59 GAA in 3 appearances and 1 start in the postseason.

[tipico]

Oilers at Avalanche picks and predictions

Prediction

Oilers 5, Avalanche 3

Money line

The OILERS (+145) are about to experience a little deja vu. Edmonton lost 9-6 in Game 1 at the Calgary Flames in its previous series, then bounced back with a 5-3 road win in Game 2. After a high-scoring game with a total in the teens, I expect the Oilers to bounce back and again win by a 5-3 score in Denver. This team has proven to be very resilient in the postseason to date.

Against the spread

The OILERS +1.5 (-150) aren’t a bad value if you don’t trust them on the road and would like a little insurance. Edmonton should fare better against Francouz if he starts. Head coach Jared Bednar didn’t confirm that, but on Wednesday he seemed to indicate Kuemper’s upper-body injury might keep him out.

Over/Under

The OVER 7.5 (+100) seems like a crazy play, but it’s worth a small-unit wager at even money. This is the highest non-All-Star Game line I’ve ever seen. But it might not be high enough if these teams play as they did in the series opener. With a backup netminder likely for Colorado, the lamp should be going off fairly frequently yet again.

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Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Edmonton Oilers at Colorado Avalanche Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Edmonton Oilers at Colorado Avalanche Game 1 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche meet for Game 1 of their Western Conference Finals playoff series Tuesday at Ball Arena in Denver. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we look at the Oilers vs. Avalanche Game 1 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Oilers suffered a Game 1 loss in Calgary against the provincial rival Flames May 18. After that setback, Edmonton rattled off four consecutive wins to reach the conference finals for the first time since 2006.

The Avalanche posted three road victories in the second round to oust the St. Louis Blues in six games. Colorado is back in the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2002 when it was ousted by the Detroit Red Wings.

Oilers at Avalanche odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:15 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Oilers +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Avalanche -180 (bet $180 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Oilers +1.5 (-150) | Avalanche -1.5 (+120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -145 | U: +115)

Oilers at Avalanche projected goalies

Mike Smith (8-3-0, 2.70 GAA, .927 SV%, 2 SO – postseason) vs. Darcy Kuemper (6-2-0, 2.44 GAA, .904 SV% – postseason)

Smith has picked up four consecutive victories, although he has allowed three or more goals in three of those outings. That’s because the Edmonton offense averaged 5.0 goals per game in the five-game series vs. Calgary.

Kuemper stopped 18 of 20 shots in the series-clinching road victory against the Blues in Game 6. He has allowed three or fewer goals in eight of the past nine postseason starts.

[tipico]

Oilers at Avalanche picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 4, Oilers 3

Money line

The AVALANCHE (-180) are rather heavy favorites in Game 1 despite the fact the Oilers (+145) are running hot. However, the home team has picked up five victories in the past six meetings between these teams, with the favorite cashing in each of the previous six outings.

Colorado enters this game with 55 wins in the past 68 outings at home, while going 30-12 in the past 42 playoff contests as a favorite. Until Edmonton can show it can win in Denver, back the Avs.

Against the spread

The price for the OILERS +1.5 (-150) isn’t terribly out of line if you feel Edmonton will carry over the momentum from the Calgary series, keeping it close in the opening game.

The Avalanche -1.5 (+120) are 1-1 against the puck line in series openers during the playoffs, but 1-4 against the puck line at home during the postseason.

Over/Under

The UNDER 6.5 (+115) is worth a roll of the dice at plus-money as these teams feel each other out. I believe we’ll get a higher-scoring series between these two teams, but Game 1 will get off to a bit of a slower start as the teams get their sea legs.

Watch: ESPN+ has become a must-have for hockey fans. Get access to more than 1,000 out-of-market NHL games, 75 weekly national games, and more all season. Sign up for ESPN+ now!

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Edmonton Oilers at Calgary Flames Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Edmonton Oilers at Calgary Flames Game 5 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames meet for Game 5 of their Western Conference Semifinals playoff series Thursday at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta. The Oilers lead the series 3-1. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we look at the Oilers vs. Flames Game 5 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Oilers won both games at home to take a commanding 3-1 series lead, forcing their rivals to have to win 3 straight games to keep their season alive. Edmonton lost 9-6 in Game 1 but won Game 2 in Calgary by a 5-3 count.

The Flames allowed just 14 total goals to the Dallas Stars across 7 games in the first round, but they have been very giving in this series. Calgary has allowed at least 4 goals in each game, with a grand total of 20 goals yielded so far.

Oilers at Flames odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Oilers +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Flames -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Oilers +1.5 (-180) | Flames -1.5 (+140)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)

Oilers at Flames projected goalies

Mike Smith (7-3-0, 2.60 GAA, .931 SV%, 2 SO – postseason) vs. Jacob Markstrom (5-6-0, 2.78 GAA, .906 SV%, 1 SO – postseason)

Smith had a little bit of a brain cramp late in Game 4, losing track of a puck on a clearing attempt on the penalty kill for the Flames. Instead, D Rasmus Andersson tied the game. Smith has actually been better than Markstrom in this series outside of that miscue.

Markstrom was a brick wall in the Dallas series, but he has been more like a chain link fence in this one as he has allowed 4 or more goals in every game.

[tipico]

Oilers at Flames picks and predictions

Prediction

Flames 5, Oilers 4

Money line

The FLAMES (-155) have their backs up against the wall, and I expect they’ll come out with some fire, pun totally intended. The home crowd should spur on the Flames, as they force this one back to Edmonton Saturday.

Against the spread

The OILERS +1.5 (-180) are a little on the expensive side, but this price isn’t too out of line if you don’t like Edmonton straight up and want a little insurance. Edmonton has covered the puck line in 3 of the 4 games to date.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-120) is the lean in this Game 5.

The Under would normally be the play in an elimination game, especially between bitter rivals, but the Flames have shown no signs of slowing down the Oilers’ offense. If Calgary is to win, they will need to ramp up its scoring, and similar to Game 1 that’s exactly what they’ll do.

Watch: ESPN+ has become a must-have for hockey fans. Get access to more than 1,000 out-of-market NHL games, 75 weekly national games, and more all season. Sign up for ESPN+ now!

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Edmonton Oilers at Calgary Flames Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Edmonton Oilers at Calgary Flames Game 1 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames meet for Game 1 of their Western Conference Semifinals playoff series Wednesday at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we look at the Oilers vs. Flames Game 1 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Oilers were staring elimination in the face after a Game 5 overtime loss at home to the Los Angeles Kings but bounced back with a 4-2 road win in Game 6 and a 2-0 Game 7 shutout win thanks to G Mike Smith.

The Flames set up the Battle of Alberta showdown with an overtime victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 7 of their opening series. The entire series was a defensive showdown with 29 combined goals, of which Calgary managed 15.

Oilers at Flames odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:33 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Oilers +133 (bet $100 to win $133) | Flames -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Oilers +1.5 (-180) | Flames -1.5 (+140)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +100 | U: -125)

Oilers at Flames projected goalies

Mike Smith (4-3-0, 2.29 GAA, .938 SV%, 2 SO – postseason) vs. Jacob Markstrom (4-3-0, 1.53 GAA, .943 SV%, 1 SO – postseason)

Smith allowed a total of 8 goals on 88 shots in Games 4 and 5, both losses against the Kings. However, he saved his best for last, allowing 2 goals on 32 shots in a road win at L.A. in Game 6, and then he made all 29 saves in a Game 7 shutout.

Markstrom battled with G Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars, as the series legitimately could have gone either way. Calgary was lucky to have Game 7 on home ice. He also saved his best for last, allowing just 2 goals on 28 shots in a 3-2 OT win.

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Oilers at Flames picks and predictions

Prediction

Flames 4, Oilers 3

Money line

The FLAMES (-165) are moderate favorites in the first round of the Battle of Alberta. The home team won each of the 4 regular-season meetings, so why stop siding with the home side now? Calgary has won 4 of its last 5 home meetings against Edmonton, too.

Against the spread

The OILERS +1.5 (-180) are a little on the expensive side, but they’re the play on the road. There won’t be a lot of lopsided games in this series, and you can expect both teams to fight for every inch.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (+100) is the lean despite Markstrom’s amazing performance in the Dallas series. While he yielded just 11 total goals in 7 games against the Stars, he was 2-2-0 with a 3.54 GAA and .884 SV% in 4 regular-season games against the Oilers. They know him, and he’ll allow quite a bit more than the Dallas offense was able to score.

Watch: ESPN+ has become a must-have for hockey fans. Get access to more than 1,000 out-of-market NHL games, 75 weekly national games, and more all season. Sign up for ESPN+ now!

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Vegas Golden Knights at Edmonton Oilers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s Vegas Golden Knights at Edmonton Oilers odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Vegas Golden Knights (27-16-3) travel to meet the Edmonton Oilers (23-16-3) Tuesday at Rogers Place. Puck drop is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Golden Knights vs. Oilers odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Golden Knights posted consecutive wins prior to the All-Star break, including a 3-2 shootout win at the Tampa Bay Lightning Jan. 29.

VGK hasn’t played a Western Conference opponent in eight games, losing at Chicago by a 2-1 count Jan. 8. VGK has dropped three in a row against Western Conference foes since its last win versus the West on New Year’s Eve against the Anaheim Ducks.

The Oilers have rediscovered their offense lately, going 5-0-1 across the past six games while averaging 4.17 goals per game during the span. Edmonton still has issues defensively, allowing at least 2 goals in 26 consecutive games since Nov. 18.

Golden Knights at Oilers odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:30 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Golden Knights -112 (bet $112 to win $100) | Oilers -108 (bet $108 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Golden Knights -1.5 (+200) | Oilers +1.5 (-290)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -105 | U: -120)

Watch: ESPN+ has become a must-have for hockey fans. Get access to more than 1,000 out-of-market NHL games, 75 weekly national games, and more all season. Sign up for ESPN+ now!

Golden Knights at Oilers projected goalies

Robin Lehner (19-12-1, 2.76 GAA, .910 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Mike Smith (2-2-1, 3.76 GAA, .898 SV%)

Lehner posted wins against the Buffalo Sabres and Lightning prior to the break, allowing 4 goals on 61 shots in the two victories. He has won four of his past five starts, although he is 0-2-0 with a 3.62 GAA and .887 SV% in two starts against the Oilers this season.

Smith gets his first start since Jan. 5 as the Oilers placed starting goaltender Mikko Koskinen in the COVID-19 protocols. Smith allowed 13 goals on 106 shots across three starts from Dec. 29 to Jan. 5.

Golden Knights vs. Oilers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Oilers 4, Golden Knights 3

Money line

The OILERS (-108) are starting to show a little bit of consistency lately, picking up wins in five of their last six games. Edmonton has struggled at home and against winning clubs with just three wins in its last 10 at Rogers Place and three wins in its last 10 tries against winning teams.

However, Edmonton was playing well before the break and it has had the number of Vegas so far this season for some reason.

Against the spread

The Oilers +1.5 (-290) will cost you nearly three times your potential return for a little insurance in the event they stumble, and that’s not a good investment.

PASS.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-105) might be the best play on the board. As mentioned above, Edmonton has coughed up two or more goals in 26 consecutive games, so Vegas will certainly get theirs. Plus, VGK has hit the Over in 11 of the past 16 on the road. Look for some fire wagon hockey early on.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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