Edmonton Oilers (16-15-1) vs. Anaheim Ducks (13-21-0)
Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks 12/31/23 – As the Edmonton Oilers gear up to face the Anaheim Ducks in a regular-season NHL match on Sunday, fans and bettors alike are keenly looking for the best NHL picks and tips. The Oilers, with a somewhat balanced 16-15-1 record, are set to clash at the Honda Center against the Ducks, who are struggling this season with a 13-21-0 standing. This game promises to be a crucial one for both teams, as they aim to improve their positions before the year ends.
This season has seen Edmonton Oilers’ offensive prowess become an international talking point. Led by leaders like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl who have shown exceptional talent, Edmonton boasts a potent front. McDavid leads with 44 points including 12 goals and 32 assists while Draisaitl brings additional depth. Their attack will face off against an Anaheim Ducks defense that has had its fair share of struggles but shows signs of improvement.
On the other side, Anaheim Ducks led by Frank Vatrano and Mason McTavish have created an effective offensive strategy. Vatrano leads them with 25 points including 16 goals while McTavish contributes 24. However, their task will be tough against Edmonton Oilers defense which has shown some inconsistency but nonetheless proven its ability to withstand pressure; success of Anaheim offense against Edmonton defense will ultimately decide the game outcome.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks 12/31/23 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 31, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Honda Center |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Stuart Skinner vs. Goaltender John Gibson
Stuart Skinner has struggled to find consistency in his first full NHL season. Through 23 starts, he’s registered a lackluster 3.04 goals against average and .886 save percentage. While a leaky Oilers defense shoulders some blame, Skinner’s inexperience and poor rebound control have led to plenty of preventable goals. He especially falters when facing heavy shot volume which could spell trouble against an aggressive Ducks forecheck. Anaheim generates offense via high pressure and forced turnovers which could overwhelm the young netminder tonight.
His counterpart in the Ducks’ crease, John Gibson, provides a steadying veteran presence with a respectable 2.8 GAA and .908 save percentage this year. Though Anaheim allows the most goals per game at 3.8, Gibson has bailed them out on countless occasions. His lateral quickness and ability to make reactionary saves gives the Ducks a fighting chance every night. Gibson should see plenty of action given Edmonton’s offensive firepower but has the experience to make clutch stops when needed. If he can match Skinner save for save, Anaheim’s aggressive style could create enough scoring chances to secure the win.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As the betting odds are yet to be determined for this matchup, bettors are keenly awaiting the lines. These odds will offer insights into the perceived strengths and weaknesses of both teams, influencing betting strategies significantly.
Edmonton Oilers Betting Trends
The Oilers are 2-3 straight up and against the spread (ATS) over their past 5 contests. This showcases their up-and-down performances recently. On the road, Edmonton owns a mediocre 7-9 ATS record indicating they tend to play close games away from home. The totals have exceeded the set line in 3 of their previous 5 matchups. For the year, 9 of the 16 Oilers’ road contests finished over the projected total.
Anaheim Ducks Betting Trends
Anaheim enters winners of 3 of their last 5 games straight up and ATS. The totals have stayed UNDER in 4 of those 5 highlighting the Ducks’ improved defensive play of late. For the season, they post a strong 10-6 home ATS record meaning they play tight games in Anaheim. Overall, the totals have gone OVER in just 8 of their 18 games at the Honda Center showcasing the low-scoring nature of Ducks’ home contests.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks 12/31/23 Betting Picks
Considering the team dynamics and recent performances, this match-up seems to lean slightly in favor of the Oilers, primarily due to their offensive strength. However, the Ducks’ recent upswing in form and their defensive strategies could pose significant challenges. For bettors looking for the best multi-handicapper picks, this game offers a fascinating mix of potential outcomes.
In terms of prop bets and over/under, the game could veer towards a higher total score, given the offensive tendencies of both teams. However, the crucial factor will be the goaltenders’ performances, which could tip the scales in either direction.
Free Pick and Prediction: Edmonton Oilers 4, Anaheim Ducks 3