Winnipeg Jets vs. Edmonton Oilers Prediction: Expect an Offensive Showcase in Manitoba

Winnipeg Jets vs. Edmonton Oilers Prediction: Expect an Offensive Showcase in Manitoba

The Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets are two teams that are very familiar with each other. Division rivals last year, these two teams met in the playoffs, a series that saw the underdog Jets sweep the Oilers, winning three of the four games in overtime. There have been two meetings between these teams this season, a home and home in November which they split. Winnipeg won the first half with a 5-2 home win, and the Oilers returned the favor with a 2-1 overtime win in Edmonton, a game that was dominated by hot goaltending.

Jets vs. Oilers Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

Date: Saturday, February 20

Game Time: 4:00 pm ET

Where to Watch: ESPN+

Puck Line: Oilers -1 (+170)

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Jets vs. Oilers Total Movement

Winnipeg Jets vs. Edmonton Oilers Prediction

The addition of Evander Kane has really added much needed scoring depth to the Oilers forward group. In 9 games with Edmonton, Kane has 4 goals, 4 assists and has added 33 shots on goal. Edmonton recently lost Jesse Puljujarvi to a lower-body injury and he will be out for a month, so Kane will be more involved in Edmonton's offensive attack going forward. The Jets are also dealing with some injuries up front and they are without Andrew Copp and Nikolaj Ehlers. The Jets still have plenty of offensive weapons, most notably Kyle Connor, who is having a fantastic season. Connor's 28 goals and 53 points lead the team, and he is on a nice scoring streak right now as he's scored 4 of his last 4 games. Winnipeg is going to need him to continue that pace if they want to get back into the playoff race.

As we have seen in the NHL this season, a coaching change can ignite a team and that is exactly what is happening in Edmonton. In the 4 games under Jay Woodcroft, Edmonton is averaging 4.5 goals per game. Edmonton is coming off a 7-3 home win vs Anaheim. On the road this season, the Oilers average 3.43 goals per game and 3.04 goals against per game. Edmonton also has the 5th best road power play at 25.4% and they have generated 58 five on five goals on the road which is 7th most in the league. Edmonton is also 11th in high danger chances for on the road at 222, they don't just rely on their power play for their offense.

At home this season, the Jets are averaging 3.30 goals per game and 2.74 goals against. The Jet's home power play is in the top ten as their 24% rate is tenth in the league. Winnipeg's home penalty kill has struggled all season as their 68.6% rate is 3rd worst in the league. Edmonton's power play versus Winnipeg's penalty kill will be the key matchup in this game.

The Jets have to stay out of the box, which they usually do as they average only 6.82 PIMS per game at home. With that being said the Oilers don't need many opportunities to score. The projected goalie matchup is Smith vs Hellebuyck. Smith has been hot lately, but he is a goalie who can let in soft goals at any time. Hellebuyck has been inconsistent this year as his 2.81 GAA is uncharacteristically high for him. In his career against the Oilers, Connor has a 3.16 GAA with a .899 save%.

As mentioned, this is a day game, which sometimes makes me hesitant on betting an over but let's take a look at day game averages for both teams this season. The Oilers have played 3 day games and average 3.3 goals per game while allowing 3.67 goals per game. The Jets have played 7 day games and average 2.71 goals per game while allowing 3.00. These splits have me comfortable enough with a total of 6 in a game that features 2 teams that have been lighting the lamp lately.

Jets vs. Oilers Pick

• Over 6 (-125) (Bet $125 to Win $100)

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