Vancouver Canucks at Edmonton Oilers - 1/13/21 NHL Picks and Prediction
Photo by Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Edmonton Oilers (0-0) vs Vancouver Canucks (0-0)
Game Info: Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 10:00 pm (Rogers Place)
Betting Odds: Edmonton Oilers -111 / Vancouver Canucks -111 --- Over/Under: 5.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers meet Wednesday in NHL action at the Rogers Place.
The Vancouver Canucks ended their playoff drought last season and have to be a bit optimistic of things to come this year. The Canucks did say goodbye to goalie Jacob Markstrom, but the combination of Thatcher Demko and Braden Holtby could surprise some folks and actually make them a better team in net. The addition of Nate Schmidt should strengthen the defense, while a duo of Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller gives the Canucks enough offensive firepower most nights. There’s still depth questions here and there’s still some players who have to prove last year wasn’t a one time thing, but there’s also signs that these Canucks are ahead of schedule and can be a playoff contender for a second straight season.
The Edmonton Oilers are coming off a playoff appearance last year, but this is a franchise that has made the postseason just twice since the 2006-07 season. The Oilers still have issues defensively, mainly at the goalie position and depth is still an issue. However, the Oilers have two legit superstars in Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, and that sort of firepower gives them a fighting chance whenever they take the ice. It’s possible the additions of Tyson Barrie, Kyle Turris and Dominik Kahun improve the team, but it’s going to take some early success for management to make a significant move to really help this franchise take a giant step forward. The Oilers are a frustrating team, but the top heavy star power makes them a club worth watching on a nightly basis.
The Canucks are 7-2 in their last 9 road games and 7-2 in their last 9 games as a road underdog. The Oilers are 0-9 in their last 9 Wednesday games and 1-5 in their last 6 overall. The under is 4-1 in Canucks last 5 overall. The over is 4-1 in Oilers last 5 overall. The Canucks are 2-6 in the last 8 meetings in Edmonton.
This should be an interesting game where we learn more about both teams. I'm still giving the Edmonton Oilers the edge here based on the home team winning nine of the last 14 meetings between these clubs, and the fact the Oilers will have to top two players on the ice. Both teams have flaws, but the Oilers have the firepower to erase a mistake or two quickly. In a near toss up, I lean toward Edmonton.
Randy’s Pick Edmonton Oilers -111
AUTHOR: Randy Chambers
Mitch's Take...
