Everyone should have enjoyed Game 1 between the Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers, except for the goaltenders and masochists who love the neutral zone trap. Oilers at Avalanche Betting Analysis below.
Despite scoring eight goals, the Avalanche still had to sweet out a surging Oilers team that nearly rallied from a four-goal deficit to tie the game. While NHL betting stats show it is unlikely we see 14 goals again in Game 2, both of these teams are always dangerous to score at a high clip.
Edmonton, which had to be opportunistic with how it closed the game, may think about switching netminders. The Avalanche will be eager to try and tighten things up and attempt to take a 2-0 lead into Canada.
Last game records
Colorado beat Edmonton 8-6 Tuesday in Denver. The Avalanche lead the series 1-0.
Matchup information
Oilers at Avalanche Betting Analysis
Edmonton Analysis
Evander Kane kept up his torrid scoring pace, pocketing his 13th goal of the postseason to give Edmonton the first-period lead. The Oilers’ success, however, was fleeting. Edmonton would only hold the lead for 36 seconds before Colorado tied the score.
Oilers goaltender Mike Smith had his worse game of the postseason, conceding six goals on 26 shots before being pulled in favor of Mikko Koskinen. How Edmonton coach Jay Woodcroft handles the goaltending situation will be interesting. Smith has had a decent postseason but was ripped to shreds in Game 1.
Woodcroft declined to name a starter until the day of the game, so keep an eye out for the coach’s decision. NHL expert picks show Connor McDavid was active in Game 1, recording three points, including a goal and two assists.
Colorado Analysis
Colorado showed the world it isn’t afraid of Edmonton’s star power. The Avalanche’s countered the Oilers’ aggressive style by creating plenty of Grade A chances of their own. Colorado held a 47-37 edge in shots.
Compher scored twice for Colorado, while star center Nathan Mackinnon also pocketed goals. What the Avalanche, like Edmonton, will need to see improve is goaltending. Starting goaltending Darcy Kuemper, who allowed three goals on 16 shots, left due to injury in the second period. Kuemper’s replacement, Pavel Franccouz, also allowed three goals on 21 shots.
With Edmonton’s offense constantly on the attack, the Avalanche will likely be looking to be a bit more defensively minded in Game 2.
Updates
Kuemper sustained an upper-body injury for Colorado, and his injury status is uncertain for Game 2. Colorado coach Jared Bednar said there is a chance Kuemper could return for Game 2. The Oilers don’t have any injuries of note.
- Edmonton is 47-48 against the puckline this season.
- Colorado is 45-48 against the puckline this season.
- The over has gone 50-42 in the Oilers’ games this season.
- The over has gone 49-39 in the Avalanche’s games this season.
- Five of Edmonton’s last six playoff games have gone over the total.
- Four of Colorado’s last five playoff games have gone over the total.
Oilers at Avalanche Betting Preview
NHL betting odds show that Colorado is a -182 favorite. Edmonton is +155 on the moneyline. The over/under is set at 7.5 goals.
Oilers at Avalanche Betting Prediction
Anyone making NHL expert picks will have to be wary not to overreact too much to what happened in Game 1. While the teams played an up-and-down, wild Game 1, there may be a few changes with goaltenders. With Kuemper’s status up in the air, there could be two new goalies in net entirely.
Even with that in mind, it is hard not to like the Avalanche on their home ice. Colorado is the team that will be more inclined to play more disciplined defense. Edmonton will want to once again drag this game into the waters of being a shootout. Colorado won’t allow things to get out of control like last game.
It is worth keeping an eye on which goaltenders each coach sends out. NHL teams are mysterious about injury information, and there is a possibility there could be a late change.
How to bet on Oilers at Avalanche
When making your NHL betting picks, take the Colorado -182.
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