We are back for the Conference Semifinals as the Vancouver Canucks host the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 tonight! The Canucks made light work of the Oilers in all four regular season games this series, so let’s take a trip down memory lane, shall we?
In the very first game of the season on October 11th, the Oilers traveled to Vancouver and put up a stinker against the Canucks. The home team cruised to a 2-0 lead after the 1st, never looking back, and winning the game 8-1. Just three days later, they met again, this time in Edmonton. The Canucks were able to secure the early lead, and the winning goal in the 3rd, securing a 4-3 victory.
In this second matchup, Casey DeSmith stopped 37 of 40 shots, while the Canucks scored 4 goals on just 16 total SOGs. A couple weeks later, the teams saw each other for the 3rd time in just 11 games. Back in Vancouver, the Canucks actually found themselves down 1-0 after 7 minutes of play. The Canucks went on to lead 3-1 before the end of the period, eventually winning the game 6-2. Thatcher Demko stopped 41 of 43 shots in this matchup.
In the last meeting, which came on April 13th just before the playoffs, the Canucks once again, upset the Oilers back in Edmonton. DeSmith stopped 30 of 33 shots, and the Oilers were regular season swept by Vancouver.
Can they get their revenge in the playoffs? Or will the Canucks continue to dominate?
Vancouver Welcomes Oilers for Game 1
Will the Canucks beat the Oilers for a 5th time this season?
Matchup Information – Oilers vs Canucks
- Venue & Location: Rogers Arena (Vancouver, BC)
- Date: Wednesday, May 8th, 2024
- Puck Drop: 10:00pm Eastern
- Where to Watch: ESPN
Betting Odds, courtesy of BetOnline
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Puck Line
- Oilers -1.5 (+190)
- Canucks +1.5 (-220)
Money Line
- Oilers -136
- Canucks +121
Total
- Over 6 (-118)
- Under 6 (+102)
Will Canada Hoist the Stanley Cup This Year?
Will Edmonton finally lift the Stanley Cup?
A Canadien team has not won the Stanley Cup since the Montreal Canadiens did so in the 1992-1993 season. Their last hope is on the shoulders of two teams who face off tonight in Vancouver. Edmonton is searching for their 7th Stanley Cup, and 1st since 1990, while the Canucks have never hoisted the trophy.
The Canucks had some goalies go down in their first series, but were still able to beat the Predators in six games. The Oilers made light work of the Kings, winning it in five games, which brings us to tonight.
Vancouver has handled business against the Oilers, but not only were most of those games within the first month of the season, but most likely the Canucks will be without DeSmith, meaning Arthur Silovs will be between the posts, against an Oilers attack he has never faced before. Plus, it’s taken outstanding goaltending to defeat Edmonton four times this year.
The Oilers have outshot the Canucks 143-111 in their four matchups, averaging about 8 more SOGs per game. Edmonton’s offense has been clicking in the playoffs as well. They are scoring 4.4 goals per game, taking over 31 shots per game, and lead all playoff teams in PP%. The Canucks, while having great defense this playoffs, only scores 2.17 goals per game.
That number needs to increase in order to beat the Oilers, and I don’t think that happens tonight.
Edmonton Oilers vs Vancouver Canucks Best Bets
Look for Connor McDavid to come alive against the Canucks this series
Best Bet: Oilers ML (-136) BetOnline
Let me get this straight. The Canucks are at home, they swept the Oilers 4-0 in the regular season, and now they are underdogs against Edmonton? Yes. Exactly. To me, this line is telling.
Not only are the Canucks on their 3rd string goaltender, but they’ve arguably gotten lucky this year against the Oilers. In four games, the Canucks are scoring 5.25 goals and allowing just 1.75, despite shooting over 30 shots less. Oilers goalies have saved just 81% of shots from Vancouver this season, despite Skinner posting a .905 SV% in the regular season. This playoffs, that number is up to .915.
The books are clearly expecting the Oilers to roll, even being on the road, and I’ll bet with them tonight. I think the Oilers firepower breaks through, the goaltending improves, and Edmonton wins Game 1 on the road tonight.
What About the Other NHL Playoff Games?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered all NHL Postseason at Betting News. Check out the articles below for more game previews, predictions, and FREE Expert Picks.
- FREE Expert Picks for every NHL Playoff Game
- Los Angeles Kings vs Edmonton Oilers Game 5 Preview
- Join our FREE NHL Bracket Challenge for a chance at Merch!
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