The Vancouver Canucks outplayed the Edmonton Oilers at five-on-five and overcame a 4-1 deficit to win Game 1, and Oilers star Leon Draisaitl missed a chunk of the second period on Wednesday in addition to Thursday’s practice and Friday’s optional morning skate.
Edmonton head coach Kris Knoblauch dubbed Draisaitl as day-to-day, and his Game 1 trip to the dressing room has been credited to cramping. Interestingly, Draisaitl’s questionable status hasn’t had a major impact on the moneyline odds for tonight's game.
Here are our free NHL picks and Oilers vs. Canucks predictions for Game 2 on Friday, May 10.
Oilers vs Canucks prediction
My best bet
Oilers moneyline (-130 at Sports Interaction)
My analysis
Without doubt, the Edmonton Oilers weren’t at their best in Game 1. The lengthy layoff after wrapping up their Round 1 series against the Los Angeles Kings in just five games was probably a factor, but the Vancouver Canucks also impressed, including holding Edmonton superstar Connor McDavid to a single assist without a shot on goal.
Still, the Oilers almost pulled off the road win, and I’m anticipating a statement showing from No. 97 on Friday. Additionally, I expect Leon Draisaitl to play. It’s rare for a player to be available to the media the morning of game day if he’s injured and not suiting up, and I’m chalking up his on-ice absence the past two days to resting for Game 2.
Edmonton also exposed Vancouver rookie goalie Arturs Silovs, and I’m anticipating the Oilers starting on time and testing him early and often again. The Oil registered 10 of their 18 Game 1 shots in the first period, and as impressive as the Canucks were on Wednesday, Edmonton was in the driver’s seat for the first 50 minutes of the series opener.
Game 1 also served as a perfect example of the dangers of sitting on a lead with the Oilers narrowly winning the possession battle (51.7 Corsi For percentage) at five-on-five when adjusted for score and venue. Edmonton won’t let another win slip away.
Oilers vs Canucks same-game parlay (SGP)
Vancouver won’t want to rely on its offense to win again in Game 2, and I expect the Canucks to continue committing to a sound defensive game. Additionally, the Oilers will also be looking to batten down the hatches after allowing just four total goals across the final three games of Round 1 against the Kings.
I’m also expecting Edmonton No. 1 Stuart Skinner to have a better game. He stopped 78 of 82 shots over those noted three games to close out the series against Los Angeles, and the Oilers also ended the regular season with the fifth-fewest goals against per game (2.68) and a seventh-ranked 81.7% penalty-kill percentage across 69 games with Kris Knoblauch behind the bench.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Oilers vs Canucks odds
Oilers vs Canucks live odds
Oilers vs Canucks opening odds
- Puck line: Edmonton -1.5 | Vancouver +1.5
- Moneyline: Edmonton -124 | Vancouver +110
- Over/Under: Over 6 | Under 6
Oilers vs Canucks moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- There has been a minor move from an opening Edmonton -140 moneyline to -130 as of Friday afternoon at Sports Interaction.
- If Draisaitl is ruled out after the pregame skate, there could be Canucks support, but it’s also a short window before puck drop. Plus, as noted, I expect Draisaitl to suit up.
- Sports Interaction has been moving between a 6.5 and 6 total since opening at Under 6.5 -115 following Game 1. A number of shops have the total at 6 with the Over carrying the higher vig, too.
Sports Interaction: Canada’s home for NHL
Looking to bet on some NHL action? Join Sports Interaction, the best in Canada for new bettors, with same-game parlays, increased prop markets, and more!
Oilers vs Canucks trend
Edmonton goalie Stuart Skinner has won seven consecutive starts following a loss dating back to the regular season. Find more NHL betting trends for Oilers vs. Canucks.
Oilers vs Canucks game info
Location: | Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC |
Date: | Friday, 5-10-2024 |
Puck drop: | 10:00 p.m. ET |
TV: | TNT |
Oilers vs Canucks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.