Oilers vs. Kraken: NHL Best Bets, Picks & Predictions (Friday)
We have a small four-game slate of hockey on Friday with some great matchups. Below, I give out my three best bets for Friday’s NHL slate. And here’s a closer look at Oilers vs. Kraken.
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Top 3 NHL Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: Oilers vs. Kraken
Edmonton Oilers (-110) @ Seattle Kraken (-110) | O/U 6.5 (-110/-110)
In Friday’s nightcap, there is a Pacific Division tilt, with the fourth-place Seattle Kraken hosting the fifth-place Edmonton Oilers. The month of December has not been kind to the Kraken, who have now lost seven of their last 10 games.
This trend should continue on Friday as goaltender Martin Jones is slated to start between the pipes for Seattle. Through 23 appearances in the crease this season, Jones possesses a .888 save percentage (SV%).
Jones’ poor play will likely continue against Edmonton, a team he has notoriously struggled against. Over his last 10 starts against the Oilers, he possesses a troubling .864 SV% and 3.51 goals against average (GAA).
Based on his metrics, positive regression is unlikely for Seattle’s netminder as he ranks 24th among starting goaltenders in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5-on-5. Jones may not get a ton of goal support either, as the Kraken rank in the bottom half of the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) at 5-on-5.
Across the ice, goaltender Stuart Skinner is slated to get the start for Edmonton. The rookie netminder has been terrific this season, posting a .916 SV% and 2.82 GAA through 22 appearances between the pipes.
Among starting goaltenders, Skinner ranks third in GSAx/60 at 5-on-5. In front of Skinner is the best offensive tandem in hockey between Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, so goal support should not be an issue.
At 5-on-5, the Oilers rank eighth in the league in xGF/60. With both the offensive and goaltender advantage, Edmonton will likely add to Seattle’s December woes.
Best Bet: Oilers ML (-110)
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