Welcome back to another day of NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head and other factors that may play in. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today’s featured game is the Edmonton Oilers vs Vancouver Canucks. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs roll on.
NHL Predictions
Edmonton Oilers vs Vancouver Canucks
Series Head-t0-Head: Oilers 3-3 Canucks
TV: ESPN, Sportsnet, CBC, TVAS
It all comes down to this with a winner-take-all Game 7 in British Columbia in this round of NHL predictions. These two teams have been trading shots against each other. It’s been punch and counter-punch between the two teams. A date with the a very good Dallas Stars awaits, but the two teams are focused on the here and now.
There have been plenty of unexpected twists and turns along the way, but many expected this series to go the distance. The Oilers have a great offence, but the Canucks have been able to withstand their best. A spot in the Western Conference Final will be well-earned by the winner. Let’s take a look at what storylines are looming for Game 7.
The Oilers Story
Edmonton has been able to adjust after its three losses in the series. However, the neither team has been able to string back-to-back wins together in the series. Stuart Skinner will likely get the start in Game 7 after a better outing in Game 6. It does help that the Edmonton offence was able to cash in on its chances in a 6-1 rout in Alberta. The Oilers own the top three point-getters in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard have been shouldering the load of the scoring this post-season. Zach Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins have also played well this post-season.
However, the Oilers defence has had some hiccups along the way. There have been struggles with that and goaltending at times. If Edmonton advances, it will need to clean these things up if it wants to stand a chance against a deep and complete Dallas team. However, the main focus is getting through a Game 7 against one of their rivals.
The Canucks Story
Arturs Silovs has been a revelation this post-season, but he was shelled in Game 6. It looks like the Latvian will get the call again. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet has ruled out starter Thatcher Demko for this Game 7. There was some faint hope that he would be ready for this series-decider. Vancouver will be without Brock Boeser will be out for at least Game 7 due to blood clotting issues. The American forward is tied for the team-lead in points with 12 with J.T. Miller.
Vancouver has had games where its been able to withstand the Edmonton offence. However, losing Boeser is a massive blow to the team. Others like Elias Pettersson are going to have to step up if the Canucks want to advance.
Prediction
It’s almost always a toss-up for this edition of NHL predictions. Game 7s are always hard to call. Most times there will be a default to the home team. Vancouver has also won the odd-numbered games, but the loss of Boeser is massive. The Oilers get it done and book a date with the Stars.
Prediction: Oilers win 4-3.
Prop Bets of the Night
We’ve got a couple of prop bets to get you through the games. Go with Draisaitl to have another multi-point night at the over of +1.5. As for Vancouver, go with Miller with +0.5 assists.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
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