Welcome back to the return 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 matchups and other factors that may play in. In this round of predictions we look at the Carolina Hurricanes traveling to Alberta to take on the Edmonton Oilers. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Carolina Hurricanes at Edmonton Oilers
Time: 9:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Fan Duel Sports Network South, Sportsnet West, TVA Sports, ESPN+
The Hurricanes keep moving on in their Western Conference road trip as they look to battle their 2006 Stanley Cup Championship foe in the Oilers. Neither team has gotten off to tremendous starts to the 2024-25 season but it is still early. Carolina is 2-2 following a loss to the St. Louis Blues. It was a game where Carolina dominated most of it but failed to convert when needed and had a few costly mishaps. Meanwhile, Edmonton is 2-4 after a 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars. The Hurricanes will look to settle in in this one while the Oilers will look to get back on track.
The Hurricanes Story
The Hurricanes enter the matchup in this round of predictions after playing three pretty good games. Even the loss to St. Louis saw Carolina play their style and control most of the game. But even as good as that was, there were still mental lapses that caused the statistic that mattered (the score) to end in the Blues favour. Carolina must not have mental lapses in this one to get the win. You give Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl any breathing room and they are certain to make you pay. Even if that team is currently struggling. Playing only their fifth game of the season, the Hurricanes need to keep working to get the new guys into the fold.
One new player (or somewhat new) that has seemed to have adjusted well is Shayne Gostisbehere. He has three goals in his last three games and has been a bright spot on the power play. Much as advertised. Jaccob Slavin will be tasked with defending McDavid as much as possible, but without home ice matchups it will be tougher. Andrei Svechnikov and Brent Burns appeared to get a little hurt in the last game, but both seem to be fine to go. Likewise, Frederik Andersen will likely get the start here as Pyotr Kochetkov took the last one.
The Oilers Story
At the other end of the ice are the Edmonton Oilers. Last year’s Stanley Cup runner up entered the year with very high expectations. But the start of the year hasn’t gone so smooth. In addition to the 2-4 record, there are other statistics that stand out. The Oilers are near the bottom of the league on the power play (6.7%) and the penalty kill (55%). They also sit at the bottom in goals for per game (two) and goals against per game (four). These are all uncharacteristic for a team with players like McDavid, Draisaitl and Zach Hyman. But here we are.
Now keep in mind last season. Edmonton also started the year terribly and turned it around to make the Stanley Cup Championship. All it takes is a spark, a fortunate bounce or some other turn of luck. They will look to get that moment sooner rather than later. Both goalies have struggled between the pipes so far too. Stuart Skinner has a SV% of .851 while Calvin Pickard has a SV% of .852. The Oilers will be at home so getting the crowd going will also be a must for them.
Prediction: Hurricanes at Oilers
Both teams are looking to get back on track after losses. Both teams are looking to get a positive groove going for the season. And both teams are looking to do it now. This matchup typically sees Carolina’s strong defence against the Oilers high flying offence. This game should be no different. No matter what the current statistics say. The Oilers do have home ice advantage and more games in hand, but the Hurricanes might be a little more confident at this point.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 3-2 in overtime
Taking a look at bets, I would take a hard look at Shayne Gostisbehere to score anytime for Carolina. He has goals in three straight but still comes in with odds that could turn a nice reward per Bet365 (+600). For any game Edmonton plays, Connor McDavid is always a safe choice to score anytime (+150) but if you really want to get creative, take a look at Jeff Skinner scoring against the team who drafted him (+260).
Main Photo Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
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