The Xcel Energy Center will play host to a Western Conference matchup as the Minnesota Wild face off against the visiting Edmonton Oilers. The opening face-off is at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 16, and it will be televised live on Sportsnet West.
Edmonton Oilers at Minnesota Wild Odds
Minnesota is 17-14 straight up (SU) and has netted moneyline bettors 0.5 units this season. That early-season winning percentage is a regression from the 49-33 record that the team managed during last years regular season campaign. Of the teams 31 games this season, 16 have gone over the total, while 13 have gone under and just two have pushed. The teams 10-5 SU at home this year.
The Wild have converted on 21.6 percent of their power play chances this year, a figure that places them in the top-10 among NHL teams. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked 10th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 82.8 percent of all penalties.
The Wild, as a collective unit, have been whistled for penalties 4.2 times per game overall this season, and 5.1 per game over their last ten outings. The teams had to stave off opponent power plays for just 7.6 minutes per game over their last five home outings.
With a .916 save percentage and 27.8 saves per game, Devan Dubnyk (13-10-2) has been the top goalkeeper for the Wild this year. If head coach Bruce Boudreau decides to give him a rest, however, Minnesota might turn to Alex Stalock (5-5-5 record, .916 save percentage, 2.61 goals against average).
The Wild will continue to look for offensive production from Eric Staal and Jason Zucker. Staal (27 points) is up to 12 goals and 15 assists and has recorded multiple points in seven different games this year. Zucker has 14 goals and 11 assists to his credit and has notched at least one point in 18 games.
On the other side of the rink, Edmonton is 13-19 straight up (SU) and has lost 9.8 units for moneyline bettors thus far. Through 32 regular season outings, 16 of its games have gone over the total, while 15 have gone under and just one has pushed. The Oilers are 8-9 SU as the away team this season.
The Oilers have converted on 18.4 percent of their power play opportunities this season, a figure that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 32nd overall and it’s successfully killed off 72.1 percent of all penalties.
Edmonton’s skaters have been penalized 4.2 times per game in total this season, and 3.4 per game over their last five on the road. The teams had to kill penalties just 8.2 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Cam Talbot (3.00 goals against average and .903 save percentage) has been the main option in goal for Edmonton. Talbot is averaging 25.8 saves per game and owns a 10-12-1 record.
For the visiting Oilers, the offense will be coordinated by Connor McDavid, who’s got 27 assists and 12 goals this season.
Edmonton Oilers at Minnesota Wild Betting Predictions
Predictions: SU Winner – Wild, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
- The Oilers have averaged the leagues fourth-most shots on goal (34.9) while Minnesota has attempted just the 32nd-most (28.5).
- Minnesota has allowed 2.8 goals per game overall this season, but has allowed just 1.5 per match up over its four-game win streak.
- Edmonton skaters have accounted for the leagues second-most hits per game (27.4), but the teams averaged just 21.8 hits over their last five away games.
