NHL betting resumes and we get a tantalizing Western Conference matchup as the Edmonton Oilers face the Chicago Blackhawks in a Qualifying Round matchup to determine which team will advance to the NHL playoffs.
The Oilers, who are loaded with top-end talent led by the NHL's two leading scorers in Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, are -227 to get into the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Blackhawks, featuring an experienced core of three former Conn Smyth winners in Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith are listed as +159 underdogs.
We break down the NHL odds as we bring you picks and predictions for the play-in series between the Edmonton Oilers and the Chicago Blackhawks.
Oilers vs Blackhawks Qualifying Round Odds
| Team | Odds to win the series |
|---|---|
| Edmonton Oilers | -227 |
| Chicago Blackhawks | +159 |
Odds courtesy of Sports Interaction
Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers Stanley Cup Odds +900
You can't really talk about the Oilers without first mentioning McDavid and Draisaitl, who have combined for 207 points in 135 games this season. Splitting the two superstars up on separate lines has given Edmonton better balance and made them more difficult to defend against.
Edmonton has been incredible on the power play this season, converting on 29.5 percent of their chances with the man advantage. Not only is that the best mark in the league, it's more than four points higher than second-place Boston, who have a PP percentage of 25.2. The Oilers have been excellent when down a man as well, ranking second in the league on the penalty kill.
In nets, the Oilers seem perfectly happy to platoon both Mike Smith and Mikko Koskinen. They played in almost the exact same number of games this season and while Smith is the more experienced goalie, Koskinen (2.75 GAA and .917 save percentage) performed better this season.
Edmonton Oilers betting trends
- The Oilers power play percentage of 29.5 is the highest mark in the NHL over the last 40 years.
- The Oilers have an almost even distribution of scoring across all three periods, scoring 72 goals in the first period, 73 in the second and 74 in the third.
- In Leon Draisaitl's last six games against the Blackhawks, dating back to the start of the 2018-2019 season, he has scored in every contest for a total of 11 points.
Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup Odds +6,600
The Blackhawks finished the regular season at the bottom of the Central Division standings, despite winning five of their last seven games heading into the COVID-19 shutdown. Don't blame that poor play on their forwards though, as Kane and Toews continue to play at a high level while Dominik Kubalik, Brandon Saad and Alex DeBrincat provide depth.
Although goalie Corey Crawford has been solid for Chicago, he's sat out the entirety of training camp so far, as he's been "unfit to play." The team is hopeful he can get into game shape and make the trip to Edmonton for the series, otherwise, it would be Malcolm Subban or Collin Delia in nets.
Even if Crawford is good to go, the defense in front of him is still a major cause for concern. Duncan Keith's play has dropped off from his Norris-trophy winning days, while Brent Seabrook is unlikely to play again this season (and wasn't really that effective even when he was healthy). Chicago has allowed a league-high 35.1 shots per game, which is bad news against an efficient Oilers side that ranks fourth-best in shooting percentage.
Chicago Blackhawks betting trends
- The Blackhawks allow the second-most high-danger scoring chances in the NHL at even strength.
- The Blackhawks have the third-worst winning percentage in the league in one-goal games.
- The Blackhawks have allowed the fourth-fewest goals in the league during the first period, but the fifth-most goals in the NHL during the third.
Oilers vs Blackhawks Head-to-Head Comparison
| Edmonton Oilers | Tale of the Tape | Chicago Blackhawks |
|---|---|---|
| 37-25-9 | Record | 32-30-8 |
| 33-33 | O/U | 34-35 |
| 3.14 | Goals Per Game | 2.97 |
| 3.03 | Goals Allowed Per Game | 3.06 |
| 29.5 | Power Play Percentage | 15.2 |
| 84.4 | Penalty Kill Percentage | 82.1 |
Oilers vs Blackhawks Picks and Predictions
Series Prediction: Edmonton Oilers -227 - Despite this matchup being between the No. 5 seed Oilers and the No. 12 Blackhawks, don't expect this to be a cakewalk for Edmonton. Chicago won two of three games against Edmonton during the regular season and with a core loaded with Stanley Cup experience, they won't be an easy out.
That said, this Blackhawks team is nowhere near as good on defense as it was during the Stanley Cup years, plus the status of goalie Corey Crawford is very much up in the air — and Edmonton's high-flying forwards will take advantage of that. Chicago allows the third-most high-danger scoring chances in the league, which will be disastrous against McDavid, Draisaitl and co.
With the two best players in this series and better special teams units on both the powerplay and the penalty kill, back the Oilers in this series.
More NHL Qualifying Round picks and predictions
Under the NHL's special return to play format, there are eight best-of-five Qualifying Round matchups preceding the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Check out our best picks and predictions for all the other series that are scheduled to take place when NHL action resumes:
Western Conference
- Nashville Predators vs. Arizona Coyotes
- Vancouver Canucks vs. Minnesota Wild
- Calgary Flames vs. Winnipeg Jets
Eastern Conference
- Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Montreal Canadiens
- Carolina Hurricanes vs. New York Rangers
- New York Islanders vs. Florida Panthers
- Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Where can I bet on NHL Playoffs odds?
Most online books and casinos offer bets on the Stanley Cup Playoffs and should offer odds on this special Qualifying Round. Check out the best sportsbooks available where you live and see what they are offering for NHL Playoffs odds.
