The Edmonton Oilers wrap up the regular season at altitude tonight as they take on the Colorado Avalanche, who have not looked sharp heading into the postseason.
With very little on the line and plenty of questions regarding attendance, this is not an easy game to figure out for bettors. The Oilers did play last night, and playing in the Colorado thin air is likely not great for its stars. Combine that with the Avs rolling with backup Justus Annunen, and Edmonton’s role players might be seeing more minutes, which could give an edge to their Over props.
I break down the NHL odds and offer my free NHL picks and Oilers vs. Avalanche predictions for Thursday, April 18.
Oilers vs Avalanche prediction
My best bet
Under 6.5 (+105 at Sports Interaction)
My analysis
Both the Edmonton Oilers and the Colorado Avalanche are locked into their current playoff position, and the only thing at stake today is who would have the home seed in a potential Western Conference Final, which isn’t nothing. But with Edmonton playing last night, it would be no surprise to see some top names out of the lineup.
Unfortunately, there are not a lot of Edmonton role-player props to hit. I was looking for some Adam Henrique props but the best player to likely target is Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. However, his attendance is not guaranteed.
Even on the Colorado side, it would be surprising to see Nathan MacKinnon suit up. If the Avs sit him and/or Mikko Rantanen, I would be looking to add some Casey Mittelstadt and Val Nichushkin Overs. If MacKinnon and Rantanen are out, these two would have expanded roles vs. an Edmonton team likely just wanting to get out of the state healthy.
So with both teams possibly mailing it in and the Over 6.5 getting steamed, I’m happy getting this Under 6.5 at +105. I can handle the Under with Stuart Skinner likely in net after not playing last night for the Oilers, and Annunen has not been an awful backup.
This game could be a sloppy mess if the big names sit. Nobody will want to get injured and there is very little to play for. If the players had it their way, this game would be on run time. I can’t see the total hitting 7 because if anyone sits it will be the best offensive players on each team. This is not a typical regular-season game.
Oilers vs Avalanche same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 6.5
Avalanche moneyline
Can't get crazy here with the unknowns. Teams do not do well going to Colorado on the second game of a back-to-back and both clubs could be without their 130-point players. MacKinnon is a healthy six points back from Kucherov for the league lead so that dream is likely dead.
The Avs have also not played well of late and will want to avenge a 6-2 loss in Edmonton earlier this month and will have no issues doing so vs. an Edmonton team possibly resting its players after calling up two forwards from the AHL.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Oilers vs Avalanche odds
Oilers vs Avalanche live odds
Oilers vs Avalanche opening odds
- Puck line: Edmonton +1.5 (-200) | Colorado -1.5 (+165)
- Moneyline: Edmonton +115 | Colorado -140
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-115) | Under 6.5 (-105)
Oilers vs Avalanche moneyline and Over/Under analysis
- Five of the last six meetings have gone to extra time.
- Edmonton recalled two skaters from their AHL team so Adam Erne and Sam Gagner will likely draw into the lineup, meaning a pair of Edmonton forwards will come out.
- Colorado enters tonight 1-4 SU in its last five games and has allowed 26 goals over that stretch, including a 6-2 loss to Edmonton in Alberta five games ago. The Avs have also struggled vs. playoff teams of late having won just three games vs. playoff-bound opponents since March 1.
- The Oilers are locked into a playoff series vs. the Jets while the Avs still don’t know if they’ll host the Kings or Golden Knights.
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Oilers vs Avalanche trend
The Edmonton Oilers have hit the Game Total Under in 47 of their last 92 games (+5.30 Units / 5% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Oilers vs. Avalanche.
Oilers vs Avalanche game info
| Location: | Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
| Date: | Thursday, 4-18-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 9:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet, Altitude |
Oilers vs Avalanche latest injuries
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