NHL Picks & Predictions: Oilers vs. Ducks (Thursday)
A couple of tickets to the Western Conference semifinals are on the line on Thursday night, as the Wild and Ducks return home to close out their respective series. Below, I'll dive into both games and get you primed to bet on tonight's NHL slate. Here are my top NHL picks for Thursday, April 30th’s game Oilers vs. Ducks.
Thursday's Best NHL Picks & Predictions: Oilers vs. Ducks
(Odds courtesy of Hard Rock Bet)
Edmonton Oilers (-130) vs. Anaheim Ducks (+110) | O/U 6.5 (-165/+130)
The Oilers (2-3) got out to a quick 3-0 first-period lead against the Ducks (3-2) on Tuesday, and they eventually won the contest 4-1 to force a sixth game in the series. At this point, Edmonton is priced at +185 to advance to the Western Conference semifinals, while Anaheim sits at -230. Game 6 is set for 10:00 p.m. ET from the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.
I have to back the Oilers as slim road favorites tonight. The analysis here is quite simple: I get to bet on the best player in the world (Connor McDavid) in another elimination game with an implied probability of 56.5%.
We could cut it off there. However, the tangible angle that I want to point out in this matchup is that Anaheim's defense has been horrendous recently. During the final 10 games of the regular season, where the Ducks went just 2-6-2, they ranked 28th in GAA (4.03), 32nd in save percentage (.832) and 28th in high-danger shots on goal allowed (44).
The Ducks have allowed four or more goals in four out of the five games in this series, and I don't see them righting the ship against the Oilers' high-powered offense. I'll take Edmonton on the Moneyline.
Bet: Oilers Moneyline (-130)