Edmonton Oilers – New Jersey Devils Preview

USA: NHL

Summary Analysis and Key Findings

1. Offense and Goals: The Edmonton Oilers’ offense is currently inconsistent. Leon Draisaitl is in top form, with 9 goals and 7 assists over 12 games, while Connor McDavid’s absence is a significant loss for the team. Without McDavid, players like Hyman and Nugent-Hopkins will need to step up. The team’s average goals scored (2.58) lag behind the Devils’ 3.57, making it crucial for Edmonton to improve their offensive potential.
2. Defense and Goalkeeping Performance: The Oilers’ defense is vulnerable, particularly due to Stuart Skinner’s low save percentage (.881), which is below the league average, while the New Jersey Devils’ goaltender Jacob Markstrom performs better (.907). The Oilers allow an average of 3.17 goals per game, another weak point compared to the Devils’ 3.00. The Devils’ defense seems more stable, mainly thanks to effective play from Hamilton and Siegenthaler.
3. Special Situations: The Devils’ power play efficiency is remarkable (28.89%), much higher than the Oilers’ (15.15%). Additionally, the New Jersey penalty kill (82.93%) outperforms Edmonton’s weak penalty kill (61.76%). This indicates that the Devils may capitalize more effectively on special situations.
4. Motivation and Form: The Oilers are highly motivated as they attempt to secure three consecutive wins without McDavid. This could give the team a new boost, while the Devils come into the game fresh after a longer break. This could allow the Devils to deliver a more consistent performance.
5. Individual Performances and Trends: Nico Hischier leads the Devils’ scorers with 15 points, while Jesper Bratt is the assist leader. The Devils’ offense appears stronger, especially with versatile players like Meier and Hughes, who can apply constant pressure on the Oilers’ weaker defense.

Bet Recommendations by Risk Category

Low-Risk Tips:

1. Devils Win or Draw – Probability: 65%
   • The Devils can rely on better defensive form and more efficient offense, while the Oilers’ defense is weaker, and McDavid’s absence is significant.
   Odds: 1.47 – Safe Kelly: 2%
2. Over 5.5 Goals in the Game – Probability: 65%
   • Both teams tend to score, and due to the Oilers’ defensive issues, a high goal count is likely. With Draisaitl and Hyman in form for the Oilers, and Hischier and Meier for the Devils, goals are highly probable.
   Odds: 1.58 – Safe Kelly: 3%
3. Devils Over 2.5 Goals – Probability: 75%
   • The Oilers’ defense is weak, especially with Skinner’s low save rate. The Devils’ offense, led by Hischier, Hughes, and Bratt, will likely score three or more goals.
   Odds: 1.45 – Safe Kelly: 6%

Medium-Risk Tip:

4. Leon Draisaitl to Score Anytime – Probability: 50%
   • In McDavid’s absence, Draisaitl is the team’s primary scorer, and his recent form suggests he will exploit any defensive lapses by the Devils.
   Odds: 2.19 – Safe Kelly: 2%

Conclusion

The game is expected to be tight, but the Devils hold a clear advantage with a more stable defense, strong power play, and fresher lineup. The Oilers have less chance without McDavid, although Draisaitl and Hyman’s form remains promising.