Oilers vs Devils Picks, Predictions & Odds Tonight

Covers

21 December 2023

Oilers vs Devils Picks, Predictions & Odds Tonight

Both the Oilers and Devils have showcased high-octane offenses this season matched with subpar play on the defensive end. With scoring drying up, and both teams desperate to recapture their winning ways, this could serve as a more reticent affair.

Something’s gotta give tonight when the Edmonton Oilers visit the New Jersey Devils.

The Oilers have lost three straight and are in the early stages of a six-game road odyssey. Away from Rexall hasn’t been a happy place, as Edmonton is tied for the second-fewest road wins in the West. Jersey, meanwhile, is a slight -115 favorite in the NHL odds.

Read below as I sift through this cross-conference battle and offer my free NHL picks for Oilers vs. Devils on Thursday, December 21.

Oilers vs Devils odds

Oilers vs Devils predictions

The problem with climbing out of such a big hole is the difficulty in sustaining that momentum.

That’s where the Edmonton Oilers are currently, crashing down to earth, having lost three straight after ripping off a season-best eight-game win streak to momentarily get back to a winning record. Their last loss kicked off the road trip, dropping a 3-1 decision to the New York Islanders. Just outside the Top 10 in goal scoring this season at 3.34 per game, Edmonton has scored a single goal in each of its back-to-back losses.

One of its main weapons while surging was the power play, which hit at a crisp 44% clip during the win streak while also limiting opponents to a single goal in 26 shorthanded situations. The Oil are just 2-for-10 with the man advantage in their last three. Against the Isles, they not only surrendered a pair of powerplay goals but gave up a shorthanded tally as well.

The New Jersey Devils' little home funk does somewhat overshadow better play of late, as they have gone 5-2-1 over the last eight. Scoring usually isn’t a problem for the Devils, who rank seventh in the NHL with 3.43 goals per game, but they’ve hit two goals or less five times during this recent run. That was the case last game out, as they dropped a 3-2 decision in OT against the Philadelphia Flyers.

These are two eerily similar teams statistically, and the one area where both struggle the most — and perhaps the biggest reason they are Bottom-3 in their respective divisions — is keeping the puck out of their net. New Jersey gives up 3.53 goals per game, the fourth-worst mark in the NHL, just a few spots ahead of the Oilers, who are surrendering 3.45.

Even though the Over has gone 5-2-2 in the last nine head-to-heads between these teams, the explosive offensive showings haven’t been as frequent of late. Just two of the Devils’ last eight games have seen the total climb Over seven goals, while Edmonton has crossed over that number once over the same stretch.

Both teams are desperate to snap out of their current issues, which brings about a good matchup and not necessarily a shootout.

My best bet: Under 7 (-110 at SIA)

Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.

Oilers vs Devils same-game parlay

Under 7Jesper Bratt anytime goal

Connor McDavid anytime goal

When Connor McDavid was blanked last time out against the Isles, it was the first time he’d been held off the scoresheet in 13 games. During that stretch, he’s put up seven goals — one against these same Devils in a 4-1 win on December 10.

Is a bounceback against the Devils in order? If past record is any indication, the Oilers star will find his way back on the scoresheet, as he has never been held without a point in 14 games against the Devils. Plus, over his last five vs. Jersey, McDavid has five goals, failing to light the lamp in just one of those games.

You can also replace him with Leon Draisaitl if you prefer. McDavid’s running mate has goals in five of the last seven against the Devils and 10 snipes in 16 games.

We’ll close it on Devils winger Jesper Bratt, the only player to score for New Jersey in its last meeting with Edmonton and has at least one goal in four straight meetings with the Oilers.

Looking to bet on some NHL action? Join Sports Interaction, the best in Canada for new bettors, with a brand-new platform featuring same-game parlays, increased prop markets, and more!

Oilers vs Devils moneyline and Over/Under analysis

Before midday on Wednesday, you could have got the Oil as underdogs with plus odds, but that ship has sailed. Edmonton is now at least -105 on the moneyline at every sportsbook, though some sites have them even with Jersey at -110 or -111.

The underdogs have won each of the Oilers' last three games.

As for the total, these two teams score well enough and give up too much for the number to fall under 6.5 goals, with many books keeping that line at seven.

The Over has gone 19-11-0 in Devils games this year, while the Oilers are closer to the .500 mark. The Over has gone 14-12-3 in their games this season.