NHL Betting Insights: Oilers vs. Blues and Stars vs. Ducks

As the NHL continues to heat up, today’s matchups between the Edmonton Oilers and St. Louis Blues, along with the Dallas Stars facing the Anaheim Ducks, offer exciting betting opportunities. Here are the insights you need to make informed wagers.

Goaltending Impact

The efficacy of a goaltender can significantly influence betting lines. Take the Edmonton Oilers, for instance. Stuart Skinner, the primary goaltender, presents intriguing betting trends. In the 32 games he has started, the Oilers’ record is a mere 16-16 on the moneyline, with an even more alarming 9-23 against the spread. This inconsistency suggests that sportsbooks may overvalue Skinner's role.

Conversely, when Calvin Pickard steps in as the starter, the Oilers boast a 12-3 record on the moneyline and 7-8 against the spread. This stark difference indicates that betting on the underdog when Skinner is in the net could be a profitable approach. Historical data shows that the Oilers have covered in all three instances they were underdogs with Skinner playing.

Matchup Dynamics

Tonight, the Oilers visit the Blues as the favorites in what marks the beginning of a back-to-back series. Skinner has struggled, losing his last two games, leading to speculation about whether the Oilers might switch goalies to regain momentum.

• If Skinner starts, consider betting Blues +1.5 at -175.
• If Pickard takes to the crease, lean towards betting on the Oilers moneyline at -185.

Stars vs. Ducks

The Dallas Stars enter their game against the Anaheim Ducks riding a five-game winning streak and carry a solid record of 12-7 as road favorites. With the Ducks struggling defensively, allowing power-play goals, the Stars’ Thomas Harley presents an attractive prop bet at over 0.5 power play points (+375), especially amid Miro Heiskanen’s absence.

Additional Prop Bets

While analyzing player performances, consider these prop betting options:

• Leon Draisaitl over 1.5 total points (+115)
• Zach Hyman under 0.5 total points (+125)
• Pavel Buchnevich over 0.5 total power play points (+450)
• Robert Thomas over 0.5 total power play points (+375)

Tactical Insights

The Ducks’ Lukas Dostal has showcased his potential, amassing a solid record when underdogs. Watch out for his performance against the Stars, who have optimized their chances well with key players in the lineup. Likewise, keep an eye on goaltenders like Andrei Vasilevskiy, whose home performances have significantly bolstered the Lightning’s success.

As the puck drops tonight, stay informed and bet smartly on these pivotal NHL matchups!