NHL Betting Preview: Canucks vs Oilers Game 2
By Tyson Cole
2 months agoThe Vancouver Canucks are back in action for Game 2 against the Edmonton Oilers, leading the series 1-0. In this NHL Betting article, you’ll be up to date with all the current Canucks odds and trends from this series to help you win a little bit of extra money this playoff season!
Oilers vs. Canucks Odds
- Edmonton Oilers Moneyline Odds: -125
- Vancouver Canucks Moneyline Odds: +105
- Puck Line Odds: Oilers -1.5 (+195), Canucks +1.5 (-240)
- Game Total: 6.0 goals (over -120, under +100)
- Time/Date: May 10th, 7:00 PM PST
- TV: Sportsnet, CBC
All odds courtesy of bet365.
Last Matchup
I thought it would be nearly impossible to top the Game 4 comeback against Nashville, but they did that in Game 1. Trailing 4-1 with three minutes remaining in the second period, the Canucks proved that no lead is too substantial to keep them out of the fight. Five different goal scorers helped push Vancouver to victory, including a goal from all three members of the Canucks third line.
This game was a tale of two games. Edmonton won the first 37 minutes, and Vancouver dominated the final 23 minutes. Vancouver held Edmonton to 0 shots from the Zach Hyman goal with 13:11 in the second period until the five-minute mark of the third period. During this time, the Canucks registered 11 shots, scored four goals and walked away with one of the most epic comebacks in Vancouver Canucks history.
If you missed it, you’ll want to check out these highlights and watch the tape series on the monumental third-period comeback.
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Check out Daily Faceoff for all the updates regarding the line combinations and goaltenders for Tuesday’s matchup.
Handicapping the Oilers (4-2 SU, 2-4 ATS, 5-1 O/U)
The Oilers must feel demoralized after blowing such a big lead so late in Game 1. They had the game locked up but let it slip through their fingers. But unfortunately for the Canucks, this could be something that the Oilers are going to build off of in tonight’s game.
The long stretch without a shot on goal for the Oilers explains a couple of things. First, they probably parked the bus offensively, thinking their lead was big enough and they could trust their defence. Now they realize that this Canucks team is not to be messed with, and no lead is safe. You need to keep your foot on the gas pedal, or else the resilience of the Canucks will shine through.
It was evident that Stuart Skinner was in his own head. All you have to do is watch the Conor Garland goal. Skinner bites on his fake slapshot, overcommitting way out of his net, and lets the goal through his five-hole. Skinner finished with a .792 save percentage and a -2.07 goals saved above expected. The Stuart Skinner of October and November played the second half of Game 1 for the Oilers; they will need Skinner from January onwards if they want to win this series.
Also, are we not going to talk about Connor McDavid? While he was still his regular dangerous self, it was an off night for him as he failed to register a shot on goal throughout the game. But I wouldn’t expect a quiet night from McDavid in Game 2 after how Game 1 ended.
Handicapping the Canucks (5-2 SU, 5-2 ATS, 3-4 O/U)
While it was a fantastic third period in Game 1 for the Canucks, let’s not pretend they didn’t struggle to keep the puck out of the net in the first two periods. And that’s to be expected; Edmonton has some high-flying forwards that will certainly make you pay, whether you make a mistake or it’s just as simple as being out of position.
After Arturs Silovs allowed the fourth goal, a weak shot from Zach Hyman, I thought it should have at least started the conversation about making a switch in net. Yes, I know he had the shutout in a series-clinching game, but allowing four goals on 14 shots (at the time) is not great. Before you yell at me in the comments, let’s not forget that Casey DeSmith beat the Oilers 3-1 in April in what was, by all accounts, the Pacific Division title game.
While the J.T. Miller line was a -1 at 5-on-5, they managed to shut the McDavid line down. They finished with more shots on goal, scoring chances and a higher expected goals than the high-flying McDavid line. Continuing to push McDavid to play around the perimeter instead of in the middle could be the key to this series.
I expect a pushback from this Oilers squad tonight. So the Canucks better bring their A-game to extend their series lead to 2-0.
I also wouldn’t be surprised to see another big night from the Canucks third line. Given the consistent puck-watching in the defensive zone from the Draisaitl line, including his injury, it should lead to more offensive zone time for the Dakota Joshua, Elias Lindholm and Conor Garland line tonight.
Canucks vs. Predators Injury News
Adam Henrique was out for Game 1 with an illness and is a game-time decision for Game 2. But the biggest news is Leon Draisaitl left the game in the second period with what was reported as “cramps,” but it’s the playoffs, and it’s lying season. Draisaitl missed yesterday’s practice, which is also considered a game-time decision. Those cramps must be pretty bad to hold him back from practice…
No new Canucks injury news. Thatcher Demko remains out with a knee injury. His reported return won’t be until after Game 4.
Projected Lineups
Mattias Janmark and Warren Foegele switch spots, with Janmark on the fourth line and Foegele promoted to the top-line left-wing with McDavid and Hyman. Stuart Skinner is expected to start in goal tonight.
No lineup changes for the Canucks. Despite allowing four goals with a .778 S% in Game 1, Arturs Silovs is expected to get the nod tonight.
PRESENTED BY BET365
Team Betting Trends
- Vancouver went 5-0 against Edmonton this season.
- Vancouver and Edmonton have hit the over in four of five games this season.
- Edmonton is 7-3 to the over in their last 10 games as a favourite.
- Edmonton is 0-3 as a favourite against Vancouver.
Player Prop Betting Trends
- Despite his injury, Leon Draisaitl managed to clear his 2.5 shots on goal line last game. He’s now cleared in five of six playoff games this season, averaging 4.3 shots on 6.5 shot attempts. Against Vancouver, he’s cleared this line in four of five games, averaging 4.0 shots on 7.0 shot attempts.
- Elias Lindholm has five shots on goal in back-to-back games. Lindholm loves to play against his former in-province rival, as he’s cleared in 15 of his last 16 head-to-head matches against Edmonton, averaging 3.1 shots on 4.7 attempts.
- The Brock Boeser chronicles continue. He has points in five of seven playoff games during this run, continuing his point-per-game pace. Against the Oilers this season, he had eight points in five games, including four goals on opening night.
Best Bets for Canucks Army
- With the history against the Oilers and the matchup against an injured Draisaitl, we’ll be taking Elias Lindholm over 1.5 shots on goal at -175 odds.
- I put my money where my mouth was last game with the Conor Garland point, and that cashed. With him slated to play against the injured Draisaitl alongside Lindholm, we’ll be taking Conor Garland to register a point at +120 odds.
- With the new exposure to Connor McDavid, who should be playing with some intensity after a strugglesome in Game 1, we’ll be taking Warren Foegele to register a point at +119 odds.
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