Oilers vs. Ducks prediction: best bet for late-night NHL on TNT matchup

In a weird schedule quirk, we get to make a Oilers vs. Ducks prediction for the second time this week.

I’m unsure if it’s the most compelling matchup, as the Ducks have the fewest points and the worst goal differential in hockey.

However, the Oilers are just three points behind Vegas for the Western Conference’s top playoff seed, providing some late-season intrigue. And I’m betting on an up-tempo, high-powered, electric and entertaining hockey game.

There’s no reason you shouldn’t tune in to TNT on Wednesday night for this West Coast hockey showdown.

Moneyline: Oilers (-365) vs. Ducks (+285)

Spread: Oilers -1.5 (-140) vs. Ducks +1.5 (+118)

Total: Over 7 (-110) | Under 7 (-110)

Over 7 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook

It’s been a lost season in Anaheim, but the Ducks are ending the year strongly.

Well, at least on offense. Per Grant White of The Action Network, Anaheim has posted 10 or more high-danger opportunities in two of its past four games, most recently dropping in four goals against Calgary.

Unfortunately, the moderately better offense hasn’t kept up with the still-horrendous defense. The Ducks have allowed at least 40 shots in three of their past four games while allowing the third-highest expected goals per 60 minutes during the stretch, per Evolving Hockey.

Meanwhile, the ever-dangerous Oilers come to town. Edmonton can score, seemingly at will, when Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl out-skate and outgun opposing defenses.

The Oilers are seventh in expected goals per 60 minutes over their past five contests, dropping in a combined 23 goals during the stretch. This offense is cooking.

I am worried about Edmonton’s legs, as the Oilers are playing on a back-to-back and for the sixth time in nine nights.

However, I’m betting that will affect the Oilers more on defense than offense, especially with how the Ducks are trending.

Plus, Evolving Hockey projects Jack Campbell as the starting goaltender Wednesday night, which would be huge for a bet on the over. Campbell is by far Edmonton’s worst goaltender, having accumulated -19 goals saved above expected this season, per Money Puck.

When these two met on Saturday, the Oilers won 6-0, with Campbell stopping all 36 of Anaheim’s shots.

I expect a similar offensive output from the Oilers, but the trending-up Ducks should sneak goals by Campbell and a gassed Edmonton defense. Or, at the minimum, the Ducks should see some positive regression, as they managed 2.95 expected goals in the loss to the Oilers, per Money Puck.

Either way, the Ducks and Oilers should play a high-scoring game on Wednesday, and I’m willing to bet on that. The Action Network’s PRO model projects this total at 7.27, so I grabbed the over 7 (-110) available at Caesars Sportsbook.