Vancouver (20-16-10) at Edmonton (29-15-3)
- When: Jan 23 2025, 9:00 PM
- Where: Rogers Place, Edmonton, AB, CAN
- TV: ESPN+
Game Preview
The Edmonton Oilers, sitting as -185 Moneyline favorites with a total set at 5.5, face the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night in a rematch of their heated clash from last week. The Oilers will look to snap a two-game skid, but they’ll be without suspended star Connor McDavid, which could significantly impact their performance.
Oilers Without McDavid: A Challenge Ahead
The Oilers will be navigating this game without their offensive cornerstone, Connor McDavid, who is serving the second game of a three-game suspension for his crosscheck on Vancouver’s Conor Garland in their last meeting. McDavid’s absence leaves Leon Draisaitl, the league leader in goals with 34, to carry the offensive load. Draisaitl has been in top form, riding a seven-game point streak, but the team will need depth scoring to step up.
In Tuesday’s 3-2 loss to the Washington Capitals, the Oilers had a solid defensive showing, limiting Washington to just 14 shots on goal. However, they went 0-for-3 on the power play, a rare lapse for their usually potent unit. Head coach Kris Knoblauch remained optimistic, saying, “I think that’s one of our better games defensively. We didn’t give up many chances.”
Vancouver’s Inconsistencies
The Canucks enter this matchup having lost seven of their last nine games. Trade rumors surrounding forward J.T. Miller haven’t helped their focus, and their offense has been largely dependent on defenseman Quinn Hughes, who leads the team with 51 points in 42 games. Miller, with 32 points, has struggled to find consistency.
Elias Pettersson and Phillip Di Giuseppe scored in the Canucks’ 3-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday, a game in which Vancouver blew a 2-1 lead in the third period. Goalie Thatcher Demko has been underwhelming this season and acknowledged his need to improve: “I haven’t been good enough this year. I got to keep working and find that level I know I can get to.”
Key Matchup and Betting Insights
The Oilers’ defense looked sharp against Washington, but they’ll need to replicate that effort against a Vancouver team that has shown flashes of offensive capability when playing with speed. On the flip side, Vancouver’s inconsistent play and Demko’s struggles in net present opportunities for Edmonton, even without McDavid.
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Moneyline Prediction: The Oilers are still favored for good reason, given their overall depth and home-ice advantage. Despite McDavid’s absence, Draisaitl’s hot streak and Edmonton’s recent defensive improvements should be enough to secure the win. Take Edmonton on the Moneyline at -185.
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Total Goals (5.5): With McDavid out, Edmonton’s offense may not be as explosive, while Vancouver has struggled to find consistency. The under has strong appeal here, as this game could feature a more methodical pace and tighter defense.
Prediction
Expect the Oilers to lean on Draisaitl and their defensive structure to edge out a struggling Canucks team. Vancouver’s inability to close out games and Edmonton’s strong response to adversity should tip the scales in the Oilers’ favor.
Final Score Prediction: Edmonton 3, Vancouver 2.
Betting Picks: Take the Oilers Moneyline (-185) and consider the Under 5.5 Goals for added value.
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
