NHL Hockey
2008-02-16 - Edmonton Oilers at Vancouver Canucks
A Sports Betting Pick by zamboni
The Edmonton Oilers (27-27-2-3) will look to build upon their recent success when they travel to Vancouver to face the Canucks (28-22-0-8).The Oilers shocked the Sharks on Thursday night winning 3-2 and have now won 4 of their past 5 games. Surprisingly, their power-play has been a key to their recent success, as they have converted 29% of their chances with the man advantage. It is surprising as the Oilers have the 24th ranked power-play in the NHL. Even more surprising, is the Oilers are taking care of business without their leading point getting in Shawn Horcoff. Horcoff has been out for the past 5 games, and the Oilers have clearly stepped up their efforts.
The Oilers have been playing very good defensively of late as well, allowing less than 2 goals per game in their past 5 and in 4 of these games. This too is a little surprising considering the Oilers rank in the bottom 10 when it comes to defense, allowing almost 3 goals per game this season. Goaltending has been stellar, as Garon has shut down the opposition, despite being shelled in most of these games. Their penalty kill has also been very good in recent games, allowing only 3 goals in 30 penalty kill situations.
The Canucks have really struggled of late, winning only 5 games in their past 16 and only one of these was in regulation. They have went to a shoot-out in 4 of their past 6 games, and lost 3 of these. Scoring has been a problem for the Canucks of late, as they have managed just 2 goals in 4 of their past 5 games. Their 3 leading goal scorers have scored a total of 6 goals in the past 10 games. A defensive team to be sure, the Canucks rank 6th in goals against this season. However, they can’t seem to stop their opponents of late, allowing 12 goals in their past 3 games, including 4 goals by the Wild 2 nights ago. The Canucks are also having trouble winning at home, securing victory in only 2 of their past 8 home games.
Head to head, the Oilers have won 3 and the Canucks 2 this season, with the Oilers winning the past 3, all in a shootout.
I like the way the Oilers are playing of late and against a team like the Canucks that have trouble scoring , I think they can keep this one close enough not to lose in regulation.
Also will make small play on the tie @ 4.33(Bet 365)
The Pick :
Edmonton Oilers +0.5
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Edmonton Oilers +0.5
