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The Edmonton Oilers (4-5-1) take on the Nashville Predators (3-5-1) Thursday. Puck drop from Bridgestone Arena is set for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Oilers vs. Predators odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
Season series: Oilers lead 1-0
The Oilers were huffed 6-1 by the Columbus Blue Jackets Monday on the back end of a back-to-back. Even worse, they lost C Connor McDavid early in that game, and he’s out 2-3 weeks with an ankle injury. C Leon Draisaitl didn’t even have a shot on goal in the game, and he’s going to have to step up in McJesus’ absence.
The Preds dropped a heartbreaker Monday 3-2 in OT against the Tampa Bay Lightning. C Ryan O’Reilly scored his 3rd goal of the season in the defeat. That stopped their 3-game winning streak after they opened the season 0-5.
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Oilers at Predators odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 12:48 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Oilers +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Predators -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Oilers +1.5 (-225) | Predators -1.5 (+185)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)
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Oilers at Predators projected goalies
Stuart Skinner (2-4-1, 3.51 GAA, .872 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Juuse Saros (2-4-1, 2.75 GAA, .905 SV%, 1 SO)
They could opt to go with backup Calvin Pickard, but I think they’ll rock with Skinner, who was skinned Monday, allowing 6 goals on 25 shots against Columbus. He was great in his only start against the Preds last year, stopping 28 of 29 shots.
Saros was solid in the overtime loss to Tampa Monday, stopping 24 of 27 fired his way. He has allowed more than 3 goals in just 1 of 7 starts thus far. He faced Edmonton once last season, and it was a disaster. He allowed 4 goals on 11 shots and was pulled before the end of the first period.
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Oilers at Predators picks and predictions
Prediction
Predators 4, Oilers 2
Moneyline
The Oilers were destroyed when McDavid left the ice in the last game. Now they know they’re going to be without him and will have to band together.
I think they get smacked around and struggle without their captain. The Preds are a heavy team, and Edmonton doesn’t have the horses. Take the PREDATORS -125.
Puck line/Against the spread
I’m targeting D Roman Josi here. He has 6, 6, 3, 5, 4 shots on goal the last 5 games. Take ROMAN JOSI OVER 3.5 SHOTS (-105). The Preds are going to be firing on all cylinders knowing that they don’t have the threat of McDavid getting behind the defense.
Over/Under
The Oilers are 3-6-1 O/U on the season, and the Preds are 4-5. If the Oilers aren’t hitting Overs with McDavid in the lineup, I can’t see them providing enough offense to push an Over 6.5 over the threshold.
Take the UNDER 6.5 (-120).
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