NHL: Canucks vs Oilers Game 6 betting preview

The Vancouver Canucks will be looking to close out the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday evening in Game 6 of the West semifinals, with a berth in the conference finals on the line. The puck is scheduled to drop at 8 PM ET at Rogers Place. Vancouver took a 3-2 series lead on Thursday at home thanks to a late winner from JT Miller in the third period. Coincidentally enough, that’s how Edmonton also won Game 4. It’s do-or-die for the Oilers here, who will be hoping to force Game 7 out west.

What’s happened so far?

Game 1: 5-4 win VAN

Game 2: 4-3 win EDM

Game 3: 4-3 win VAN

Game 4: 3-2 win EDM

Game 5: 3-2 win VAN

Vancouver Canucks

Because of their depth and talent on both ends of the rink, most people didn’t give the Canucks much of a chance against the Oilers. In fact, it was expected that Edmonton would take them out in five or six games. Despite having minimal playoff experience, Vancouver has proved the doubters wrong, as they’ve done all year long.

The Canucks ended up winning the Pacific Division and kept it rolling in the playoffs, knocking off the Nashville Predators in round one in six games. This series with the Oilers has been absolutely thrilling to watch as well, with every single game being decided by just one goal. While this hasn’t exactly been a high-scoring series, Vancouver has stepped it up offensive compared to the last round, where they weren’t really good enough.

Brock Boeser and JT Miller both have 12 playoff points, while Quinn Hughes and Elias Lindholm have nine each. D-men Dakota Joshua and Nikita Zadorov are also doing their part. One notable player who isn’t doing much is Elias Pettersson, one of Vancouver’s best guys in the regular season. He’s only managed five points. If he could step up, it would do wonders not only in this series but in their pursuit of a Stanley Cup. The Nucks are a big underdog in game 6 at NHL sportsbooks.

Edmonton Oilers

As previously mentioned, the Oilers were considered a big favorite in this series because of their experience and of course, having Connor McDavid, among many others. Vancouver has given them a run for their money though and now, they’re on the brink of elimination. It’s time to get the job done. Returning home should definitely play in their favor considering the Edmonton fans are a great support system for this team.

Game 5 was not a great day for the big guns. Both McDavid and Draisaitl finished with a -2 rating, although the latter did tally an assist. Evander Kane and Mattias Janmark scored the goals for the Oilers. They were outshot 35-23 and the Canucks had 41 hits compared to only 23 for Edmonton. In some ways, they were outplayed. Calvin Pickard still played relatively well though, making 32 saves on the 35 shots he faced.

Draisaitl is lighting it up in the postseason with a whopping 21 points, including eight goals and 13 assists. McDavid also has 18 points, but 16 of them are helpers. Evan Bouchard, Zach Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are the three others in double digits in points in these playoffs. The core has to bring their best on Saturday, or else it may result in their season ending earlier than desired. The Oilers are a heavy -190 favorite at Bodog.