Oilers vs. Blues Prediction and Odds: Fade the Fraudulent Blues
The Edmonton Oilers and the St. Louis Blues will each get their seasons back underway when they face each other in a Western Conference showdown on Wednesday night.
The break couldn't have come at a better time for the Oilers, who had been stumbling down the Pacific Division standings. They're 4-6 in their last 10 games, struggling to find any level of defense or competent goaltending. They're still waiting for goaltender Mike Smith to return from an injury that's had him sidelined since October.
The Blues entered the break having gone 6-2-2 in their last 10 games. They've established themselves as a contender in the Central Division, but they'll need to keep winning games to stay competitive with the likes of the Wild, Predators, and Avalanche.
Let's take a look at the odds via WynnBET for this Western Conference matchup.
Oilers vs. Blues Odds and Total
Moneyline:
- Oilers +120
- Blues -140
Puck line:
- Oilers +1.5 (-210)
- Blues -1.5 (+180)
Total:
- 6.5 (Over -110/Under -110)
Oilers vs. Blues Betting Trends
- The UNDER is 4-2 in the Oilers' last six games.
- Blues are 4-2 in the last six games against the Oilers.
- Oilers are 5-13 in last 18 games played at St. Louis
- Blues are 8-1 in their last nine home games.
Oilers vs. Blues Prediction and Pick
If there's one team in the NHL right now who I think has the most fraudulent record, it might just be the Blues. Their high shooting percentage and strong goaltending has carried them far this season, but some other analytics show that some regression is due.
The Blues rank 28th in the league in high danger scoring chances against, allowing an average of 12.55. That's especially not promising when you're taking one of the best offensive teams in the NHL in the Edmonton Oilers. Hart Trophy favorite Connor McDavid should have a field day against the Blues defense.
St. Louis doesn't have the offensive prowess to truly take advantage of the Edmonton's weakness on defense, but the Oilers certainly have the strength to dismantle the Blues' in the offensive end. I'll back Edmonton as an underdog tonight.