Two of the hottest teams in the NHL go head-to-head at the Xcel Energy Center, with the Edmonton Oilers visiting the Minnesota Wild on Thursday, December 12.
Minnesota might be leading the way in the Western Conference, but our top Oilers vs. Wild predictions and NHL picks expect Edmonton superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to lead the way in winning fashion tonight.
Oilers vs Wild prediction
My Oilers pick
Oilers moneyline (-140 at BET99)
My Oilers analysis
The Edmonton Oilers have won 10 of their past 14 games with solid underlying 5-on-5 numbers and far superior special-teams play.
Edmonton opened the year with a 26th-ranked 14.3 power-play percentage and 32nd-ranked 59.5 penalty-kill percentage through its first 14 contests, and the Oil have rebounded with a respective seventh-ranked 25.7 PP% and top-ranked 90.0 PK% across their past 14.
Add No. 1 goalie Stuart Skinner going 7-2-1 during the stretch with a respectable .904 save percentage and 2.41 GAA, and everything is beginning to come together for Edmonton. I also particularly value Skinner upping his game even more of late with a .947 SV%, 1.41 GAA, and 2.26 total goals saved above average across his past four starts.
There’s still a splash of statistical correction coming at 5-on-5 for Edmonton, too. The Oilers sport 27th-ranked 98.2 PDO, and even their 21st-ranked 99.3 number during the 14-game heater is well below the breakeven mark.
The Minnesota Wild are on the other side of the 5-on-5 PDO spectrum with a league-high 103.6 mark that’s fueled by a spectacular .942 team save percentage. There’s no way around it, Minny is playing elite defense and receiving superb goaltending, and the Wild have allowed the fewest goals per game (2.39) and fewest expected goals per 60 minutes (2.01) at 5-on-5.
Still, the Wild are without top-six forwards Joel Eriksson Ek (elbow) and Mats Zuccarello (lower body), and top-four defenseman Jonas Brodin (upper body), which leaves them short-handed to go head-to-head with the one-two punch of Edmonton superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Oilers vs Wild same-game parlay (SGP)
Oilers moneyline
Under 6.0
Leon Draisaitl Over 2.5 shots
Minnesota has been the best defensive team in the league, and Edmonton has tidied up during its highlighted recent run. Add both goaltenders posting elite numbers of late and I’m surprised we’re landing such a favorable number on the Under.
Both teams have trended to the Under, too.
Edmonton has gone Under the number in four of its past five, and Minny has done so in six of eight.
The Draisaitl Over 2.5 shots is a nice addition because while the Wild don’t allow many goals, they also haven’t limited shots. Minny ranks 18th with a 49.7 CF% at 5-on-5 and allows 28.4 shots per game.
Draisaitl has three or more shots in 16 of 28 games for the season and logs 21:19 of ice time per. He’s also been a more willing shooter during Edmonton’s highlighted 14-game surge with an average of 3.1 shots and 5.3 attempts per game.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Bet on the NHL at BET99!
One of Canada's best sportsbooks for hockey betting, join BET99 and get up to $1,500 bonus bets back if your first bet doesn’t win when using our BET99 promo code COVERSBONUS!
*Not available in Ontario. 19+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Oilers vs Wild odds
Oilers vs Wild live odds
Oilers vs Wild opening odds
- Puck line: Edmonton -1.5 (+195) | Minnesota +1.5 (-240)
- Moneyline: Edmonton -125 | Minnesota +105
- Over/Under: Over 6 (-115) | Under 6 (-105)
Oilers vs Wild trend
The Edmonton Oilers have hit the game total Under in 34 of their last 55 away games (+13.65 Units / 23% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Oilers vs. Wild.
How to watch Oilers vs Wild
| Location: | Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN |
| Date: | Thursday, 12-12-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet West |
Oilers vs Wild latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
