Not that long ago the Chicago Blackhawks were the marquee franchise of the NHL. Chicago won three Stanley Cup championships from 2010 through 2015. Additionally, the Blackhawks earned 100 or more points in seven out of eight full season schedules during that era. However, no dynasty lasts forever. Age and the tight NHL salary cap forced the Blackhawks to shed their roster of important role players. If not for COVD-19 the Blackhawks would be nowhere near the playoffs. On Saturday 12-seed Chicago will face the 5-seed Edmonton Oilers and their young superstar Connor McDavid, the best player in the NHL.
Western Conference Best of Five Preliminary Round Schedule and Odds
(5) Edmonton Oilers vs. (12) Chicago Blackhawks
NHL Betting Odds at Bookmaker.eu: Blackhawks +147 vs. Oilers -164
Hub City Location: Rogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta
Saturday, August 1: 3 p.m. ET, NBC
Monday, August 3: 10:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN
Wednesday, August 5: 10:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN
Friday, August 7: TBD, (if necessary)
Saturday, August 8: TBD, (if necessary)
(5) Edmonton Oilers vs. (12) Chicago Blackhawks NHL Wagering Odds Analysis
NHL betting lines have been strong for the Oilers from the onset. Edmonton barely missed getting a first round bye while the Blackhawks were the proverbial last person standing at the bar. Chicago may get some action from bargain hunters but the overwhelming majority of cash will flow to the Oil. Those who don’t like the Edmonton price will play the series game by game or live. And they also may sit it out altogether if they don’t want to make a big cash outlay up front.
Edmonton Oilers Overview
Edmonton has a record of 37-25-9 which put them fifth in the Western Conference behind the Dallas Stars. The Oilers have NHL metrics of 15th for goal scoring, first for the power play, 15th for goals against, and second for the penalty kill. Edmonton split 33-33 on totals.
Edmonton Oiler Key Players
Although C Connor McDavid is touted as the top player in the game fellow C Leon Draisaitl leads the Oilers with 43 goals, 67 assists, 16 power play goals, 28 power play assists, and a -7. McDavid was right behind with 34 goals and 63 assists, 11 power play goals, 32 power play assists with a -6. Defenseman Oscar Klefbom adds five goals, 29 assists two power play goals, and 16 power play assists with a -17.
Edmonton Oilers Goaltending
Mike Smith and Mikko Koskinen split time during the season. Smith was 19-12-6 with a 2.95 goals against average, .902 save percentage, and one shutout. Koskinen was 18-13-3 with a 2.75 goals against average, .917 save percentage, and one shutout.
Chicago Blackhawks Overview
12th place in the West Chicago has a record of 32-30-8. The Blackhawks rank 18th for goal scoring, 28th for the power play, 16th for goals against, and ninth for the power play. Chicago was 41-29 over the total.
Chicago Blackhawks Key Players
RW Patrick Kane remains one of the most skilled and exciting players in the game as a 12-year veteran. Kane has 33 goals, 51 assists, eight power play goals, 15 power play assists, and a +8.
Chicago Blackhawks Goaltending
Veteran Corey Crawford was a mainstay of the Blackhawks glory years. Crawford was 16-20-3 this season with a 2.77 goals against average, .917 save percentage with one shutout.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Chicago Blackhawks Free Picks
The Oilers roster depth and youth give them an NHL betting advantage. Chicago has no business in the post season but does bring a passionate fan base that will turn on the TV to watch, which was an understandable reason for the NHL to expand the 2020 playoff format. Edmonton should advance without much problem here.
Oilers vs. Blackhawks NHL Series Odds Best Bet: Edmonton Oilers
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