A Western Conference tilt gets underway on Tuesday evening with the Chicago Blackhawks hosting the Edmonton Oilers.
These teams last squared off roughly a month ago, with Edmonton costing to an effortless 4-1 victory in what was a low-scoring game. The Oilers are heavy road favorites in the NHL odds to repeat the result.
Will we see another low-scoring affair, or can the goal scoring pick up this time around? Find out in our free NHL picks for Oilers vs. Blackhawks on Tuesday, January 9.
Oilers vs Blackhawks odds
Oilers vs Blackhawks predictions
We are catching +110 on the Under 6.5 via SIA in this spot because Edmonton’s powerhouse offense is going against one of the worst teams in the league. However, I still think there is value in this number, especially with the recent form of Stuart Skinner, who is slated to guard the cage for the Oilers on Tuesday.
Over his past five starts, Skinner is 5-0 with a commanding .948 SV% and 1.58 GAA. There was an average of 5.6 total goals scored over those five outings.
This success is likely to continue against Chicago, a team Skinner is 3-0 against in his career with a .911 SV% and 2.34 GAA. Making Skinner’s job easier is playing against one of the league’s more underrated blue lines.
At 5-on-5, Edmonton ranks eighth in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60). It also ranks fourth in shots on goal allowed per game.
With Connor Bedard now out of the lineup for the Hawks with a fractured jaw, Skinner and this defense should be in for an effortless evening against the worst offense in hockey. The Blackhawks rank last in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) at 5-on-5 this year.
This team simply just can’t score as they are averaging 2.05 goals scored per game over their past 20. There have been six or fewer total goals scored in 12 of those 20 outings.
The injury bug continues to annihilate Chicago’s forward group as it is expected to be without Connor Bedard, Joey Anderson, Taylor Raddysh, Anthony Beauvillier, Andreas Athanasiou, Tyler Johnson, Taylor Hall, and Nick Foligno.
Even if Edmonton hangs five goals in this game, I would be shocked if the Hawks score more than once.
My best bet: Under 6.5 (+110 at SIA)
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Oilers vs Blackhawks same-game parlay
Under 6.5
Oilers moneyline
My main question for this play is whether the Hawks can hold Edmonton to five or fewer goals. I believe they can, mainly due to goaltender Petr Mrazek, who has played tremendously for Chicago this season.
Through 26 appearances in the crease, Mrazek is 10-13-1 with a .903 SV% and 3.26 GAA. Those are not the most dominating stats to own, but they are not entirely indicative of his performance this year due to what he is dealing with in front of him.
He was in net for that previous meeting between these two clubs, a game in which the Oilers won 4-1. I expect a similar final score on Tuesday.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Oilers vs Blackhawks moneyline and Over/Under analysis
The Oilers opened as a -400 favorite and remain at that number at the time of writing. While this is a ridiculously long number for any NHL game, I suspect that the market will keep inflating this price as there is not a single advantage this Hawks team possesses in this game.
That brings us to the total, which opened at 6.5 and also remains at that number. I don't think we will see any movement here.
Yes, the Oilers could put up seven themselves, but if Chicago can hold them to just four or five goals, I don’t see the Hawks scoring more than twice at the most.
Oilers vs Blackhawks betting trend to know
There have been six or fewer total goals scored in 12 of Chicago’s past 20 games. Find more NHL betting trends for Oilers vs. Blackhawks.
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Oilers vs Blackhawks game info
| Location: | United Center, Chicago, IL |
| Date: | Tuesday, January 9, 2024 |
| Puck drop: | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN+, HULU |
Oilers vs Blackhawks latest injuries
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