Oilers vs Bruins: Expert NHL Picks and Predictions 02/27/23

Odds

2021-2022 season stats

Preview

On Monday, February 27th, the Boston Bruins will visit the Edmonton Oilers for a matchup that is expected to be a lopsided affair. The Bruins are the best team in the Atlantic Division, boasting a record of 45-8-5, while the Oilers are 32-20-8 and sit in 3rd place in the Pacific Division.

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers have struggled lately, losing 4 of their last 6 games but are still holding a solid 32-20-8 record. While they have experienced 4 consecutive losses, the Oilers have shown great resilience in their recent performances.

Despite the disappointing losses, Edmonton's offensive prowess has been nothing short of exceptional, with their dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge. McDavid has been putting up otherworldly numbers, with a staggering 99 points, including 42 goals and 57 assists. Draisaitl has been no slouch either, boasting 80 points, with 31 goals and 49 assists. Even with a lack of depth behind these two, Edmonton has managed to become the highest-scoring team in the league, averaging 3.7 goals per game with an impressive 33.3 shots per game. They also rank second in expected goals per 60 minutes, with 3.65, and sixth in high-danger shots, making them a force to be reckoned with.

On the defensive side, the Oilers have had some struggles, allowing an average of 3.2 goals per game on 31.7 shots allowed per game. While they've given up the 13th-fewest expected goals per 60 minutes at 3, they rank fifth in fewest high-danger shots allowed. They have a major weakness in their penalty kill, which ranks sixth-worst in the league at just 74.6%. This has been a major Achilles heel for the Oilers, and something they will need to address if they want to go deep in the playoffs.

In goal, Stuart Skinner is projected to start tonight. Skinner has had an up-and-down season with a 13-11-4 record, a 2.95 GAA, and a .913 save percentage. While he's shown flashes of brilliance, consistency has been an issue, and his performance will be key to the Oilers' success.

The Oilers have been an exciting team to watch this season, with an explosive offense and a solid defense. With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge, they have the potential to make a deep playoff run. However, they will need to shore up their penalty kill and get more consistent performances from their goaltending if they want to make it happen.

Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins are looking fierce heading into their next game against the Edmonton Oilers. They are riding a five-game winning streak and are determined to keep their momentum going with a win over the Oilers that would secure them their third win in a row.

Boston's offense is in top form, currently averaging 3.69 goals per game. In their last game, the Bruins managed to score five goals on just 30 shots, showcasing their efficiency in front of the net.

Leading the charge for the Bruins is the ever-talented Brad Marchand, who contributed a goal and an assist in the last game. His linemate Patrice Bergeron also found the back of the net, while Nick Foligno provided two assists.

However, it's not just the Bruins' offense that is performing well; their defense is among the best in the league, currently giving up an average of just 2.07 goals per game. In their last game, the Bruins didn't concede a single goal and will be looking to replicate that defensive effort against the Oilers.

In net, the Bruins have found a gem in Jeremy Swayman, who saved all 28 shots he faced in the last game. Swayman boasts an impressive 13-4-4 record in 23 games, with a 2.21 goals against average (GAA) and a .918 save percentage. With a goaltender like Swayman, the Bruins have a solid foundation to build their defensive efforts on.

The Bruins are a team on a mission, and their recent winning streak is proof of that. They are playing with a sense of purpose and determination that is hard to ignore. Their offense is firing on all cylinders, and their defense is rock solid. It's clear that this team is a force to be reckoned with in the league.

However, they will be facing a tough opponent in the Oilers. Edmonton has struggled at times this season, but they are coming off a much-needed win and will be looking to build on that momentum. The Bruins will need to be at their very best to secure a win against the Oilers.

INJURIES: Jake DeBrusk is questionable for this game.

BETTING TRENDS

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 7 games.

Boston are 6-0 SU in their last 6 games.

Boston are 4-9 SU in their last 13 games against Edmonton.

Boston are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games on the road.

The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston's last 6 games when playing on the road against Edmonton.

The total has gone OVER in 7 of Edmonton's last 8 games.

Edmonton are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games.

The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Edmonton's last 7 games against Boston.

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Edmonton's last 7 games at home.

Prediction

The Bruins have the best record in the league and are on a five-game winning streak, with their offense averaging 3.69 goals per game and their defense among the best in the league, giving up an average of just 2.07 goals per game. Furthermore, the Bruins have found a gem in Jeremy Swayman, who has a 13-4-4 record in 23 games with a 2.21 goals against average and a .918 save percentage, giving them a solid foundation to build their defensive efforts on. In contrast, the Oilers have lost 4 of their last 6 games and have a struggling penalty kill. While the Oilers have an explosive offense led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Bruins' solid defense and goaltending could stifle the Oilers' attack. Therefore, the Bruins are likely to win the game against the Oilers. 

PICK: Bruins ML (-136) 

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