EDMONTON OILERS @ CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
Ice Hockey : North America : NHL
Sunday, November 13th, 2011, 7:00PM US
(12:00AM GMT)

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PREVIEW

The records sported by these two sides are very similar (Edmonton are 9-5-0-2 and Chicago are 10-4-1-2) but they are moving in different directions right now. The Edmonton Oilers are going to be playing their 3rd game tonight in 4 days and the are showing all the signs of slumping.

As things stand, Edmonton have moved away from their early season heroics and have lost 2 straight games, including 3 of their last 4. Not a great spot for them to be playing the Blackhawks, who are surging.

The Chicago Blackhawks have done very well at home, and their 6-1-2 record proves that. Their last 2 matches has seen them score even more than their average. Chicago are scoring 3.2 per game overall, and 3.7 per home game. Their last 2 games have seen them bang in 10 goals, an average of 5. In that time, they have given up just 4. With Chicago scoring more and more, it's unlucky for Edmonton, who are giving up a bunch right now. The Oilers have conceded 13 in their last 3 losses, while the offence fails to help out.

When they had their strong start this season, Edmonton were defending well, and making each powerplay count. But in those 3 recent losses, while giving up over 4 a game, they have managed to score on just 1 powerplay opportunity, despite being at an advantage no fewer than 10 times. In total, the Edmonton offence is scoring just 2.2 goals per game, which is a whole goal less than Chicago on average.

Blackhawks forwards Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews have scored 12 goals between them, and assisted on 15 others in the last 8 games they have played against Edmonton. I expect them to have a great game tonight. Look for Chicago to be particularly troublesome when at a man advantage. Chicago have not been great on the powerplay but in the last 2 games they have scored on 3 of the 7 chances they have had.

BETTING VERDICT

I would recommend taking Chicago to win this one, but if you prefer a better price, take them to win within regulation, available at a fair price of 1.91 over at Pinnacle.

The Pick :

Chicago Blackhawks

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take Chicago -0.5 @ 1.91 (Pinnacle)