Bruins vs. Oilers prediction: NHL odds, picks for Wednesday
Nothing has come easy lately for the Boston Bruins.
Sure, the B’s were able to snap a four-game skid with a 4-3 win over the Dallas Stars on Monday, but they needed some late-game magic and nine rounds of a shootout to get over the line.
The victory, which ended a seven-game homestand, moved Boston’s record to 2-3-2 since the All-Star break.
Boston’s five-on-five numbers during this recent malaise aren’t terrible, but the B’s are certainly playing below their standard of late.
If it wasn’t for their terrific goaltending, the Bruins could be in more peril than they are right now.
Things won’t get any simpler for Boston on Wednesday night when they begin a four-game road trip in Edmonton.
(10 p.m. ET)
The Oilers are “just” 4-3-0 since its 16-game winning streak ended on Feb. 6, but they’ve continued to play at an elite level.
Edmonton has scored 21 goals in its last four games, and Connor McDavid has registered 16 points in his last seven.
Edmonton’s offensive firepower is well-documented, but the team’s defensive form is what makes it elite.
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The Oilers are allowing just 2.1 goals and 2.37 expected goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five since Kris Knoblauch took over as head coach 39 games ago.
The goaltending, which was considered the team’s fatal flaw a few months ago, has completely stabilized.
You’d still give the goaltending edge in this contest to Boston, but it’s not wide enough to be actionable, considering the Oilers are playing a stronger five-on-five game and have the edge on special teams, too.
THE PLAY: Oilers -140 (FanDuel Sportsbook).
