{"id":479884,"date":"2025-12-13T07:50:43","date_gmt":"2025-12-13T12:50:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=479884"},"modified":"2025-12-12T22:16:49","modified_gmt":"2025-12-13T03:16:49","slug":"nhl-predictions-december-13th-edmonton-oilers-at-toronto-maple-leafs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/13\/nhl-predictions-december-13th-edmonton-oilers-at-toronto-maple-leafs\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: December 13th Edmonton Oilers at Toronto Maple Leafs"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"flex flex-col text-sm @w-xl\/main:pt-header-height pb-25\">\n<article class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-WEB:92f6ca11-a3b6-494d-aef7-b556b87b0508-3\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-8\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-turn=\"assistant\">\n<div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\">\n<div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\">\n<div class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col grow\">\n<div class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"bbc6f825-47cc-4feb-83d4-605efefc06cf\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-1\">\n<div class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[1px]\">\n<div class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full break-words dark markdown-new-styling\">\n<p data-start=\"57\" data-end=\"750\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">As the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/11\/maple-leafs-face-key-changes-ahead-of-sharks-matchup\/\" target=\"_self\">Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a> get ready to face the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/12\/the-edmonton-oilers-finally-make-a-major-move-in-net\/\" target=\"_self\">Edmonton Oilers<\/a>, this matchup brings two skilled but inconsistent teams looking to build real momentum. Toronto has shown stretches of strong, structured hockey but still struggles with lapses that cost them points, while Edmonton remains dangerous thanks to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcdavco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-12_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor McDavid<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/draisle01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-12_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Leon Draisaitl<\/a>, even if defensive issues continue to hold them back. With both teams fighting to climb the standings, this game at Scotiabank Arena feels like a key early-season test of pace, discipline, and special teams. Welcome back to another edition of NHL Predictions with <em>Last Word On Hockey.<\/em> Today, it\u2019s the Oilers and Leafs who are you taking in this one?<\/p>\n<h2>NHL Predictions: Leafs vs Oilers and What to Watch<\/h2>\n<p><strong>2025-26 Head-to-Head:\u00a0<\/strong>Leafs 0-0 Oilers<\/p>\n<p><strong>Time:\u00a0<\/strong>7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"696\" data-end=\"852\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/full-guide-for-how-to-stream-and-watch-nhl-hockey-games\/\" target=\"_self\"><strong>How to Watch:<\/strong><\/a> CBC, Sportsnet Ontario, Sportsnet West<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"626\" data-end=\"690\">Friday was a day of big shakeups, and that included the Edmonton Oilers. Quinn Hughes changing places, might be a shift of the balance of power, if Minnesota can take advantage. Meanwhile, in Edmonton swapping goalies with Pittsburgh is a big deal. How will Tristan Jarry like his new home?<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"626\" data-end=\"690\"><strong data-start=\"630\" data-end=\"690\">Oilers\u2019 Snapshot Balanced Offence, Defensive Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"692\" data-end=\"1152\">Edmonton enters this matchup as a team with potent offensive firepower but mixed results on the other side of the puck. Connor McDavid continues to carry this group he\u2019s been dynamic and consistently involved in Edmonton\u2019s scoring while Leon Draisaitl has also been a major threat in high-danger areas. Recent performances show McDavid in particularly strong form, extending point streaks and producing at a high rate.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1154\" data-end=\"1421\">The Oilers average more than 3.3 goals per game, putting them among the better scoring teams in the league, but they\u2019ve allowed a similar number in goals against, pointing to defensive lapses that can undermine their success.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1423\" data-end=\"1726\">Edmonton\u2019s road form has been solid and they\u2019re on a bit of a positive stretch, riding momentum from a recent win over Detroit where <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hymanza01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-12_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Zach Hyman<\/a> scored a hat trick and McDavid notched four assists a sign of how dangerous they can be when firing on all cylinders.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1728\" data-end=\"1904\">Key for the Oilers will be settling the neutral zone and staying disciplined, as turnovers against a skilled Leafs lineup can quickly turn into odd-man rushes against them.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"1911\" data-end=\"1978\"><strong data-start=\"1915\" data-end=\"1978\">Maple Leafs\u2019 Case Staying in the Mix, Finding Consistency<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1980\" data-end=\"2176\">Toronto\u2019s 2025\u201326 season has had its peaks and valleys; they sit with a solid record and remain competitive in the tight Atlantic Division and wild-card race.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2178\" data-end=\"2588\">Offensively, the Leafs also put up north of 3.3 goals per game, with stars like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/matthau01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-12_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Auston Matthews<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/tavarjo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-12_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">John Tavares<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nylanwi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-12_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">William Nylander<\/a> consistently creating scoring opportunities. Special teams play has been a strength Toronto\u2019s power play clicks at a high rate relative to league peers, while their penalty kill is also competent.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2590\" data-end=\"2956\">Toronto\u2019s net has seen mixed moments, including a recent standout performance from rookie goaltender <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hildede01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-12-12_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dennis Hildeby<\/a>, who earned his <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/12\/08\/toronto-maple-leafs-goaltender-dennis-hildeby-playing-time\/\" target=\"_self\">first career NHL shutout<\/a>. However, defensive consistency remains crucial; Toronto has allowed goals in areas they\u2019d like to tighten up, particularly against elite transition teams like Edmonton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3 data-start=\"3209\" data-end=\"3427\"><strong data-start=\"1554\" data-end=\"1579\">NHL Predictions &amp; Key Bets<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><em><strong>Final Score Prediction:\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Oilers win 4-2<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3049\" data-end=\"3241\">This one shapes up as an offensive battle. Both clubs are capable of generating high-event hockey and transitions, which should lead to end-to-end play and plenty of scoring opportunities.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3243\" data-end=\"3480\">Edmonton&#8217;s special teams and depth scoring, especially if McDavid and Draisaitl find their stride, could tip the balance in a close game. Toronto, meanwhile, will lean on Nylander and Matthews to keep pace and exploit any breakdowns.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3482\" data-end=\"3610\">Expect this matchup to stay tight until the final buzzer, with Edmonton&#8217;s edge giving them just enough to pull ahead.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3612\" data-end=\"3636\"><strong data-start=\"3612\" data-end=\"3636\">Best Betting Angles:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3612\" data-end=\"3636\"><strong data-start=\"3612\" data-end=\"3636\">Moneyline: <\/strong>Edmonton wins<\/p>\n<div><strong>Total Goals:\u00a0<\/strong>Over 6.0 goals, both teams have high skill, and they can both produce a lot of goals.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><strong>Player Prop:\u00a0<\/strong>Connor McDavid\u00a0anytime goal.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"entry-content content-styled max-w-none\">\n<div class=\"entry-content content-styled max-w-none\">\n<div class=\"entry-content content-styled max-w-none\">\n<div class=\"entry-content content-styled max-w-none\">\n<p><em><strong>Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As the Toronto Maple Leafs get ready to face the Edmonton Oilers, this matchup brings two skilled but inconsistent teams looking to build real momentum. Toronto has shown stretches of strong, structured hockey but still struggles with lapses that cost them points, while Edmonton remains dangerous thanks to Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, even if [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5672,"featured_media":461905,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18,23,4547,4548,4524],"tags":[6017,6062],"class_list":["post-479884","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-leafs","category-oilers","category-hockey","category-nhl","category-nhl-predictions","tag-edmonton-oilers-predictions","tag-toronto-maple-leafs-predictions"],"modified_by":"Levi Pike, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/479884","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5672"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=479884"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/479884\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":479952,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/479884\/revisions\/479952"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/461905"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=479884"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=479884"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=479884"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}