The series between the Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers wouldn’t feel like a blowout for anyone who has watched the Western Conference finals. However, despite the Oilers having shown they can punch with the top-seeded Avalanche, Edmonton have come up short in the first three games of the series. NHL betting stats show this doesn’t bode well for the Oilers.
Only three teams in the league’s history have ever rallied from a 3-0 deficit to win a series. While the Oilers would rather not be in their current predicament, they will feel better about having to start the climb back in the series at home. Edmonton scored less than 40 seconds into Game 3 to take the lead, but were ultimately undone by some poor timing with a player exiting the penalty box in the third period.
Last game records
Colorado beat Edmonton 4-2 Saturday night in Edmonton. The Avalanche lead the series 3-0.
Avalanche at Oilers Betting Analysis
Colorado Analysis
The Avalanche were relentless after falling behind early in the game. Colorado dominated in the face-off circle and got strong looks at the net. The Avalanche held a 43-29 edge in shots and won 58.1 percent of the faceoffs.
NHL betting stats show backup netminder Pavel Francouz did a nice job filling in for Darcy Kuemper, who missed Game 2 with an injury. Francouz stopped 27 of the 29 shots he saw against Edmonton.
J.T. Compher scored the game-winner after joining the rush after getting out of the penalty box in the third period. Compher has been hot, scoring five goals in his last seven playoff games. Valeri Nichushkin led the Avalanche with two goals in Game 3.
Edmonton Analysis
People making NHL betting picks took keen notice of the Oilers dressing seven defensemen for Game 3. Edmonton, though, couldn’t find a way to generate enough offense to beat Colorado. The Oilers’ two stars both had a negative plus-minus in Game 3, with Connor McDavid being -3 and Leon Draisaitl finishing with a -2. McDavid did score Edmonton’s opening goal.
Edmonton goaltender Mike Smith had a difficult time, allowing three goals on 42 shots. Facing constant pressure made things difficult for Smith. The Oilers were more physical than Colorado, outhitting the Avalanche 45-32.
Edmonton also had a difficult time with penalties. The Oilers didn’t concede a goal on the penalty kill, but gave Colorado five opportunities. Moments after scoring the opening goal, Evander Kane took a five-minute boarding penalty that allowed the Avalanche to get nine shots on goal.
Updates
Colorado goalie Darcy Kuemper will again be out with an upper-body injury. Edmonton right wing Kailer Yamamoto will be out.
- Colorado is 47-48 against the puckline.
- Edmonton is 47-50 against the puckline.
- The over is 49-41 in the Avalanche’s games this season.
- The over is 50-44 in the Oilers’ games this season.
- Three of Colorado’s last four games have gone under the total.
- Edmonton has seen the over go 5-5 in its last 10 games.
Avalanche at Oilers Betting Preview
NHL betting odds have Colorado as a -130 favorite on the moneyline. Edmonton is +112. The over/under is set at seven goals.
Avalanche at Oilers Betting Prediction
Colorado has made life difficult for Edmonton’s stars simply by playing its brand of hockey. The Avalanche have been an up-tempo team throughout the season that is capable of scoring with the best teams in the league. The Oilers have been close several times in this series to grab a victory.
Edmonton has lost two one-goal games so far and will still have the opportunity to try and score against Colorado’s backup goaltender, Francouz. While Francouz proved he was up to the task in Game 2, Edmonton will once again have an opportunity to unleash its star power against a player who is unaccustomed to playing against such players on a night-to-night basis.
Edmonton is on borrowed time, but the Oilers will earn one more trip to Denver before bowing out of the postseason.
How to bet Avalanche at Oilers
Bet the Oilers +115
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.