NHL Betting Preview (Feb. 28): Blues vs. Oilers Odds

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4 months ago

After getting back in the win column on Monday and having a day off to rest, the Oilers will look to take advantage of a tired team when they play host to the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday.

Blues vs. Oilers Odds

St. Louis Blues Moneyline Odds: +200
Edmonton Oilers Moneyline Odds: -250
Puck Line Odds: Blues +1.5 (-120), Oilers -1.5 (-105)
Game Total: 6.5 goals (over -105, under -115)

All odds courtesy of Betway.

Last Matchup

Edmonton travelled to St. Louis back on February 15th, and the Oilers held a 2-1 lead into the first intermission. The Blues scored four goals in the second period, though, and went on to win the game 6-3. From a betting perspective, this was a big upset, as the Oilers came into the game with -211 moneyline odds, while the Blues were a +188 underdog. The game also went over (-118) the total of 6.5 goals.

Check out Daily Faceoff to get updates regarding the starting lineups and goaltenders.

Handicapping the Oilers (34-22 SU, 28-28 ATS, 25-28 O/U)

Edmonton has dominated tired teams, winning four out of five against road teams that played the day before. But, a $100 bettor would have made just $108 betting on the Oilers, because they’re always such big favourites. And, for what it’s worth, the Oilers only covered the puck line in two out of the five games that they’ve hosted a team in the second half of a back-to-back.

Moreover, this game will also mark the 10th time that the Oilers will come into a home game with moneyline odds greater than -200. Edmonton hasn’t lost as a -200 favourite since the home opener. However, a bettor would have won just $183 by betting $100 on the Oilers in each of those nine games despite having a near perfect record once again.

Then again, aside from the season opener, the Oilers have crushed big underdogs, winning eight straight in regulation and covering the puck line each time.

PRESENTED BY BETWAY

Handicapping the Blues (30-28 SU, 32-26 ATS, 25-28 O/U)

St. Louis is still the most profitable moneyline bet year-to-date, but losing four out of the last six has taken a chunk of that profit away. The Blues played well in Winnipeg on Tuesday, given they were a +170 underdog. You could even argue that they were the better team. It just wasn’t enough to get the job done after falling behind by two goals in the first period.

With two or fewer goals in five of their last seven games, it’s important that the Blues get back on track offensively. But, maybe the time has come for this team to take their rightful place in the league’s basement. St. Louis ranks 30th in 5-on-5 expected goals percentage and shot attempt percentage, per Evolving Hockey.

This will be the ninth time that St. Louis will play the second game of a back-to-back on the road this season and they have gone 4-4 straight up. On top of that, the Blues have managed to pull off big road upsets against teams like Vancouver (+209), Florida (+198), and Colorado (+197), but Wednesday’s game against the Oilers could end up being rock bottom.

Team Betting Trends

St. Louis is 6-4 straight up in its last 10 games overall against Edmonton and 7-3 against the puck line. In their last 10 trips to Edmonton, the Blues are 5-5 straight up and 7-3 against the puck line.
Edmonton is 7-3 in its last 10 games at home while St. Louis is 6-4 in its last 10 away from home.
The matchup has trended 5-4-1 to the over in the last 10 meetings. St. Louis is 5-5 to the over in its last 10 games while Edmonton is 7-3 to the over in its last 10.

Player Prop Betting Trends

Zach Hyman has scored eight goals in his last 10 games. Only Auston Matthews has scored more goals since October 15th. Hyman is +100 to score a goal.
Connor McDavid hasn’t scored in 10 games, the longest such drought of his career. McDavid went eight games without a goal earlier this season when he was clearly not at 100 percent. McDavid is listed at -105 to score a goal.
Pavel Buchnevich, who is currently No. 11 on DFO’s Trade Target Board, has put up six goals in his past six games. The 28-year-old had 12 goals in his first 35 games, but he’s scored 11 goals in his last 19 games. Buchnevich is +200 to score a goal.
Robert Thomas has recorded 14 points (12 assists) in nine games since the All-Star break. Thomas is listed at -138 to score a point.

Best Bets for Oilersnation

Having more rest than their opponent has been a weapon for the Oilers this season, as Edmonton has gone 7-1 against tired teams at Rogers Place year-to-date. Edmonton has held these opponents to two or fewer goals in five out of the eight games, and St. Louis has had trouble scoring lately, recording two or fewer goals in six out of their last 10 games. Bet St. Louis Blues team total under 2.5 goals at -125.

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