For just the third time this decade, two Canadian rivals are going head to head in the second round of the NHL playoffs.
The hatred between the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks and their two passionate fan bases is reaching a boiling point, which should create another intense atmosphere at Rogers Arena Friday night.
Similar to what the Rangers’ fan base argued entering their series with the Hurricanes, Canucks fans believed vehemently that sportsbooks got it all wrong in making their team a large (+215) underdog in this series.
And similar to the Rangers, the Canucks did prove oddsmakers wrong by grabbing a 1-0 series lead in Game 1.
Whether the Canucks continue to prove oddsmakers wrong – again, like the Rangers, who went up 3-0 in their series against Florida on Thursday – remains to be seen.
Oilers vs. Canucks odds
| Team | Moneyline | Puck Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oilers | -125 | -1.5 (+195) | o6 (-115) |
| Canucks | +105 | +1.5 (-238) | u6 (-105) |
Oilers vs. Canucks prediction
(10 p.m. ET, TNT)
The Canucks got the Oilers on their heels on Wednesday in a game which looked to be entirely over, and they stormed back from 4-1 down to earn a shocking 5-4 win. Credit to Vancouver for its stunning comeback, but more of the Canucks’ flaws should hold true moving forward.
Both starting goaltenders were not overly sharp in Game 1. Canucks third-stringer Arturs Silovs allowed four goals on only 18 shots.
Stuart Skinner played even worse than Silovs. He allowed five goals on just 24 shots, including Connor Garland’s game-winning goal that came from a location on the ice where 98.3% of shots are stopped.
Skinner projects to be the better starter moving forward. In 59 games this season, he played to a rating of +2.0 goals saved above expected and is far more proven at the NHL level than Silovs. Skinner was able to bounce-back from a shaky start in Round 1 versus the Kings, which should inspire bettors some confidence that he can do the same tonight.
Over the entirety of the playoffs the Canucks have generated only 20.04 shots on goal per game, which is a historically low rate. The quality of those chances hasn’t been great either, as their 2.52 expected goals per 60 this postseason ranks third worst.
The Oilers 3.35 expected goals per 60 this postseason ranks third-best. Even in 5-on-5 play, the Oilers have generated far more chances than the Canucks this playoff, and 5-on-5 play is far from the Oilers greatest strength.
The Oilers have one of the most well composed power play units in NHL history. It’s clicked at 47.6% this postseason, and succeeded 46.2% of the time in last year’s playoffs.
The Oilers only managed to draw one penalty last game, and they took advantage with a power-play marker.
In all likelihood the Canucks will take more penalties Friday night. If we see more special teams time in Game 2, that’s a big advantage to the Oilers.
Betting on the NHL?
Oilers vs. Canucks pick
Oilers superstar Leon Draisaitl missed part of Game 1 due to what the team reported as muscle cramps, but he was able to return and finish the game. He missed practice on Thursday, and the general suspicion is that the team is hiding a more meaningful injury.
It’s interesting to note that Draisaitl was extremely effective in the 2022 postseason while playing with what was reportedly a severe high ankle sprain as we evaluate what to expect from him in Game 2.
Even with Draisaitl potentially playing at less than his top level, I still believe the Oilers will find a way to return home with a series split. Bet Edmonton to bounce back and win this pivotal Game 2.
Best Bet: Oilers Moneyline (-125, bet365 | Play to -130)
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