The Mike Babcock era begins with the Edmonton Oilers laying a massive price at home against the Vancouver Canucks, but my Canucks vs. Oilers prediction and NHL picks see Edmonton getting the job done without this turning into a track meet.
Babcock’s arrival should bring more structure to an Oilers team that already has enough high-end talent to control this matchup. If Edmonton is cleaner defensively and limits Vancouver’s transition chances, the favorite should be able to dictate the game while keeping the total in check.
Puck drop is set for Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 10 p.m. ET from Rogers Place.
TOP PICK
Canucks vs Oilers prediction: Under 6.5
Play to 53%.
The Edmonton Oilers are going to be much tidier defensively under head coach Mike Babcock. That was on full display during the preseason, with the Oil allowing five goals across four games.
Edmonton was already a possession monster with a fifth-ranked Corsi For percentage at 5-on-5 across the past three years, and the Oilers also ranked second in expected goals percentage to reinforce their consistent ability to tilt the ice in their favor.
With a shortened training camp and exhibition schedule, Babcock leading a veteran lineup committed to improved team defense is a nightmare season-opener for the Vancouver Canucks.
Vancouver scored the fewest goals per 60 minutes while generating the fifth-fewest expected goals per 60 at 5-on-5 last season, after all.
COVERS INTEL: The Oilers allowed just 0.91 goals per 60 minutes while surrendering the eighth-fewest high-danger scoring chances per 60 at 5-on-5 during the preseason.
Canucks vs Oilers combo
Edmonton has topped Vancouver in seven of their past nine meetings, and the Canucks will be in tough to slow down Oil superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Add the noted dominance at 5-on-5, and Vancouver is outmatched Tuesday night at Rogers Place.
The go-to duo has been on the ice for a monster 7.69 goals per 60 minutes over the past two years, and they’ll be joined by Vasily Podkolzin to start the year. As a result, I like the Russian winger to find the scoresheet against his former team in the season opener.
Canucks vs Oilers combo
- Oilers moneyline
- Under 6.5
- Vasily Podkolzin 1+ points
Canucks vs Oilers goal scorer: Leon Draisaitl
Draisaitl has the third-most goals in the NHL over the past three years, and he lands in a cushy matchup after Vancouver allowed the most goals per 60 minutes and sixth-most expected goals per 60 minutes last season.
Add Draisaitl skating with McDavid in all situations, and I recommend this prop to 50%.
Canucks vs Oilers player prop: Vasily Podkolzin 1+ points
Podkolzin is set up to succeed with a top-line gig jumping the boards with McDavid and Draisaitl, and the Canucks allowed the most goals per 60 minutes and sixth-most expected goals per 60 last year, too.
I’d play this prop to 54%.
Canucks vs Oilers odds
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- Moneyline: Canucks 28% | Oilers 73%
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (52%) | Under 6.5 (49%)
- Spread: Canucks +1.5 (49%) | Oilers -1.5 (53%)
For the full slate of NHL matchups, check out our NHL odds board!
Canucks vs Oilers trend
The Oilers have won seven of their past nine games against the Canucks. Find more NHL betting trends.
How to watch Canucks vs Oilers
| Location | Rogers Place, Edmonton, AB |
| Date | Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 10 p.m. ET |
| TV | Sportsnet |
Canucks vs Oilers latest injuries
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