Rogers Place will play host to an enticing clash as the Edmonton Oilers prepare to face the visiting New York Rangers. It’s the last time that these two clubs will go at it in the regular season. Sportsnet ONE will broadcast this cross-continent matchup, which gets underway at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 31.
New York Rangers vs. Edmonton Oilers Odds
New York (+125) is currently the underdog to Edmonton (-145), and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at 6 goals (-125 to bet the over, +105 for the under).
The Oilers are 20-21 straight up (SU) and have disappointed moneyline bettors to the tune of -1.4 units so far. That early-season winning percentage is fairly close to what the team produced during last year’s regular season (35-47). Of its 41 games this season, 20 have gone over the total, while 19 have gone under and just two have pushed. The team is 9-11 SU at home this season.
Edmonton currently touts the second-strongest power-play unit in the NHL, as it’s scored on 29.3 percent of their extra-man chances this season. On the other hand, its penalty kill is rated eighth overall, and it’s successfully killed off 83.2 percent of all penalties.
As a collective unit, Edmonton has been whistled for penalties 3.4 times per game overall this season, and 2.2 per game over its last five matchups at home. The team’s had to defend opposition power plays for just 7.3 minutes per game over its last 10 matchups, in total.
With a .914 save percentage and 27.8 saves per game, Mikko Koskinen (13-12-2) has been the best option in goal for the Oilers this year. If they, however, choose to give him the night off, head coach Dave Tippett may go with Mike Smith (7-13-13 record, .893 save percentage, 3.12 goals against average).
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will both be offensive focal points for the Oilers. McDavid (63 points) has put up 22 goals and 41 assists and has recorded multiple points on 18 separate occasions this year. Draisaitl has 22 goals and 39 assists to his name and has recorded at least one point in 33 contests.
Over on the other bench, New York is 19-19 straight up (SU) and has earned 6.8 units for moneyline bettors this year. Through 38 regular season contests, 20 of its games have gone under the total, while 17 have gone over and just one has pushed. New York’s 9-9 SU as the visiting team this season.
New York has converted on 18.8 percent of its power play chances this year, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 23rd overall and it’s successfully defended 78.7 percent of all opponent power plays.
New York’s players have been whistled for penalties 4.7 times per game this season, and 4.0 per game over their last five road outings. The team has had to stave off opponent power plays 9.2 minutes per contest over their last five road games.
Henrik Lundqvist (3.11 goals against average and .911 save percentage) has been the primary option in goal for New York. Lundqvist is averaging 30.6 saves per game and owns a 9-13-3 record.
Leading the offensive counter for the visiting Rangers will be Artemi Panarin, who’s got 21 goals and 30 assists this year.
New York Rangers vs. Edmonton Oilers Betting Predictions
Free Pick: SU Winner – Rangers, O/U – Under
Betting Notes
- Edmonton is 2-1 in games decided by a shootout this season while New York is 0-2 in shootouts.
- For both of these teams, the game went over the total in three of their past five outings.
- Over Edmonton’s last ten outings, five of them have been decided by two or more goals (the team is 0-5 in those games).
- This game features two of the more physical defenses in the league. New York skaters have accounted for the 12th-most hits in the league (21.6 per game) while the Oilers have recorded the 12th-most (21.5).
