By Stephen Nover
Canucks at Oilers Over 5 1/2 minus $1.20
I understand why the oddsmaker set this total at 5 1/2. Vancouver was the seventh-lowest scoring team in the NHL last season. Edmonton had little scoring aside from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl with no other Oiler reaching 70 points.
So on the surface this Over/Under seems to be lined right.
But there are strong factors going that should mean at least six goals being scored in this matchup.
Let’s start with McDavid, a true superstar and arguably the most dangerous offensive player in the NHL. The two-time scoring champion finished second in scoring last season with 116 points. Draisaitl was the No. 2 goal scorer in the league with 50, one behind Alex Ovechkin. McDavid is healthy and has a strong history versus Vancouver with 21 points in 17 games against the Canucks.
The Canucks have average goaltending at best and are in a tough situational spot. The Oilers will be fired-up and pushing pace in this their home opener.
Now let’s examine Vancouver’s attack. The Canucks upgraded their offense during the offseason adding forwards J.T. Miller, Micheal Ferland and offensive-minded defenseman Tyler Myers to go with Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser and Bo Horvat.
Edmonton has a new general manager, Ken Holland, and coach, Dave Tippett. They are talking up defense. But cleaning up defensive problems takes time. The Oilers have a below average starting goalie, too, in Mikko Koskinen.
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