Will Draisaitl win the German duel with Seider?

Will the Oilers, of all teams, get their act together in the final weeks of the NHL season? The games against Washington and Tampa Bay might almost suggest so. So now it’s on Tuesday in a no less important duel against the Detroit Red Wings.

On paper, this should mean a third straight win, but what does “on paper” mean in the NHL. Especially the Oilers are known to lose against weaker teams

This leaves us with a bit of a puzzle as far as betting is concerned as to which tip is the most promising. However, since the bookmakers see Edmonton ahead by just under two goals, betting on them is hardly represented to still get a good value.

So for Edmonton vs Detroit, our prediction is a much closer game than expected, which can end up going either way. However, this makes picks on the Wings +2 our clear betting recommendation, as we will elaborate below.

Edmonton Oilers – Statistics & current form

Many pundits (and us) have already sworn off the Oilers, and suddenly they strike back and defeat the reigning champions from Tampa 4:1 at home, deservedly even at this level.

If they would play like that in every game, they would even be a secret favorite for the Stanley Cup. But it often happens that after a statement win against a top favorite, the Oilers can’t build on that performance in the next game and lose.

Constancy the Oilers’ big weakness

So already happened this season after wins against the Capitals (then 0:4 against Vegas), against the Penguins (then 3:4 against Seattle) or after an away win in Boston (then 2:3 against the Sabres).

These were always hard-fought victories against top teams, which were then followed by a collapse. In this respect, a matchup with the Red Wings, who are considered to be very weak, is dangerous in this situation. Especially since the Wings have also been making a name for themselves lately with wins against the Rangers and the Hurricanes.

Edmonton needs defense, defense and defense

To really get on a closing spurt now, the Oilers defense will need to step up. Even though they only allowed one goal against Tampa, an average of 3.17 goals against is far too many to be successful in the long run.

As a result, their games often end up closer than they should. Only twice in their last ten games have the Oilers been able to put more than a one-goal difference between themselves and their opponents. So their games are often exciting until the last second.

For Oilers vs Red Wings, a bet on Edmonton with a large handicap is thus also to be avoided. Rather, we favor betting on Detroit +2, as Detroit has already shown this season against Edmonton that this matchup suits them (1st duel ended 4:2 for the Red Wings).

Key Players:
G: Mikko Koskinen
D: Darnell Nurse
D: Cody Ceci
LW: Evander Kane
C: Connor McDavid
RW: Kailer Yamamoto

Detroit Red Wings – stats & recent form

The Red Wings are doing what they are probably supposed to do tactically this season: They lose. In doing so, they secure good draft picks in the summer. And yet, every now and then, they show that they’re already on a good path.

Most recently, however, they lost five in a row, and four of those opponents (Lightning, Panthers, Wild, Flames) are also among the absolute top favorites for the Stanley Cup. In this respect, we have to put this negative streak in perspective.

Red Wings against Oilers already successful

They proved they can beat top teams two weeks ago when they downed the Hurricanes 4-3 after overtime. Also the Oilers had to believe in it already this season. In November, this duel went with 4:2 to the Wings, but then in Detroit.

This proves, however, that this defensively vulnerable style of play of the Canadians seems to suit the Wings. Back then, Detroit was even able to clearly win the shot balance in the end with 39:33. Also always a proof that a team can keep up or even is superior.

Blowout defeat not to be expected

For all these reasons, don’t expect too heavy a defeat on Tuesday. If the Wings manage to keep the game open for a long time, then even a surprise is possible. To get a good value, however, we don’t have to go that far at all.

For Edmonton vs. Detroit, the odds on Red Wings +2 are so good that we can play them with a clear conscience. Over-points are also an option with these two weak defenses for those who do think the Oilers can pull off a blowout win after all.

Key Players:
G: Alex Nedeljkovic
D: Nick Leddy
D: Moritz Seider
LW: Filip Zadina
C: Dylan Larkin
RW: Lucas Raymond

Edmonton Oilers – Detroit Red Wings Direct Comparison / H2H Record

For the direct comparison, we have already addressed an important duel. In November, the only meeting so far this season went to Detroit 4-2. The Red Wings have also won three of the last four games.

Considering that the Wings have been in a state of flux for a few years now, the Canadians suit them quite well. A completely one-sided game is therefore not to be expected, especially since the Oilers goalies tend to be among the worse in the league.

For Edmonton against Detroit, the odds are thus also set too clearly per Oilers to still make good profits with them. Bets on Detroit +2 or on a draw after regular time are therefore very good value alternatives.

Edmonton Oilers – Detroit Red Wings betting tips

Edmonton is only a mid-major team at home, where they are 16-12 winners. Even though the Red Wings are behind the Oilers in many areas like goals (2.83 to 3.22) or goals against (3.71 to 3.17), we should have them on our radar for a surprise on Tuesday.

Just like they did back in November when they beat Edmonton 4-2. For Oilers vs. Red Wings, a bet on Detroit +2 is therefore our clear betting recommendation. Even if the Oilers win by a narrow margin, we would still be on the safe side.

Alternative for this matchup is a bet on over-points. Both defenses combined allow 6.88 goals, so even bets on over 6.5 goals can still be considered.