Among the NHL’s elite teams, this is arguably the heaviest of the heavyweight bouts there could be as the Colorado Avalanche square off against the Edmonton Oilers.
This week in the NHL is capped off by a modest 6-game slate. What it may somewhat lack in quantity of games, it more than makes up in quality. Among the matchups tonight are the Capitals vs. Hurricanes, Rangers vs. Red Wings, and the one we're discussing, Avalanche vs. Oilers.
Neither team is battling for a playoff spot because they are going to be in, but this game is still meaningful given Colorado is trying to catch Dallas in the Central, as well as the factor it could play for candidates for individual awards.
This will be about as entertaining as it gets.
This has the makings of a very close game between a couple of true juggernauts. But what looks to give the Avalanche an edge is their past week, as well as their performances against the Oilers over the past couple of seasons.
The Avalanche are rolling right now to the tune of 11 wins in their last 14 games, five wins in their last six on the road, and seven wins in the last eight head-to-head against the Oilers. They have also won two out of their last three games with the wins each being by three goals against solid Predators and Wild teams.
The Oilers enter this game winless in their last two games, including an ugly 5-0 loss to the Stars last night. A quick turnaround is not made easy facing the Avalanche.
The Oilers also have one win in the last six games played against the Avalanche at home in Edmonton. Until or unless trends change, the Avalanche have the better of this cross-division rivalry.
The offensive talent on both sides for this game is remarkable. But for all intents and purposes, Avalanche vs. Oilers will always be Nathan MacKinnon vs. Connor McDavid. While MacKinnon figures to be a factor in this one, especially with an Avalanche win, that does not mean McDavid will go quietly.
Midway through the season, McDavid was an afterthought for the Hart award. That has since changed as he has ridden a hot streak to the third most points in the NHL. In his last nine games, McDavid has four goals and 20 points. In their current 3-1-1 run, McDavid has three goals and nine points. Another 2+ points for McDavid would be status quo.
In what looks to be a close game, McDavid will get a ton of ice time and will be on the ice with extremely productive teammates. The recent form and opportunity to produce will be there. Look for McDavid to continue to come through.
As mentioned prior, Mikko Rantanen is one such player that falls under the category of ‘remarkable talent’. This is his second straight 40+ goal and 100+ point season, as well as his fifth 30+ goal season in eight full NHL seasons. This is someone who can break open a game any given shift.
Rantanen snapped a five-game goal drought with a tally last night in Minnesota. He has 4 points in his last 3 games and will be leaned on in a heavyweight matchup like this one.
Rantanen skates on the top line with MacKinnon and is on the top power play with MacKinnon, Cale Makar, Casey Mittelstadt, and Jonathan Drouin. Similar to McDavid, the recent form and opportunity is there for Rantanen to get on the scoresheet with a goal.
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Colorado Avalanche | +105 ML |
Edmonton Oilers | -125 ML |
Puck Line | EDM Oilers -1.5 (+180) |
Total Goals | O/U 6.5 |
Nathan MacKinnon | -115 |
Mikko Rantanen | -105 |
Zach Hyman | +105 |
Leon Draisaitl | +115 |
Connor McDavid | +115 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
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