Edmonton Oilers at Nashville Predators odds, picks and predictions

The Edmonton Oilers (4-5-1) take on Nashville Predators (3-5-1) Thursday. Puck drop from the Bridgestone Arena is set for 20 ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around Oilers vs. Predators odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: Oilers lead 1-0

The Oilers were upended 6-1 by the Columbus Blue Jackets Monday on the back end of a back-to-back. Even worse, they lost C Connor McDavid early in that game and he’s out 2-3 weeks with an ankle injury. C Leon Draisaitl didn’t even have a shot on target in the game and will have to step up in McJesus’ absence.

The Preds dropped a heartbreaker Monday 3-2 in OT against the Tampa Bay Lightning. C Ryan O’Reilly scored his 3rd goal of the season in the loss. It stopped their 3-game winning streak after they opened the season 0-5.

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Oilers to Predators odds

Delivered by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting for a complete list of NHL odds. Lines last updated at 12:48 PM ET.

• Moneyline (ML): Oilers +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Predators -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
• Puckline (PL)/Against the Spread (ATS): Oilers +1.5 (-225) | Predators -1.5 (+185)
• Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Oilers at Predators expected goaltenders

Stuart Skinner (2-4-1, 3.51 GAA, .872 SV%, 1 SO) vs. Juuse Saros (2-4-1, 2.75 GAA, .905 SV%, 1 SO)

They could choose to go with backup Calvin Pickardbut I think they’ll rock with Skinner, who was ripped Monday, allowing 6 goals on 25 shots against Columbus. He was terrific in his only start against the Preds last year, stopping 28 of 29 shots.

Saros was solid in the overtime loss to Tampa on Monday, stopping 24 of 27 shots. He has allowed more than 3 goals in just 1 of 7 starts so far. He faced Edmonton once last season and it was a disaster. He allowed 4 goals on 11 shots and was pulled before the end of the first period.

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Oilers at Predators picks and predictions

Forecast

Predators 4, Oilers 2

Moneyline

The Oilers were devastated when McDavid left the ice on the final play. Now they know they’re going to miss him and have to band together.

I think they get slammed and struggle without their captain. The Preds are a heavy team and Edmonton doesn’t have the horses. Roof PREDATOR -125.

Puckline/Against the spread

I’m aiming for D Roman Josi here. He has 6, 6, 3, 5, 4 shots on goal in the last 5 games. Take ROMAN JOSI OVER 3.5 SHOTS (-105). The Preds are going to be firing on all cylinders knowing they don’t have the threat of McDavid getting behind the defense.

Over/Under

The Oilers are 3-6-1 O/U on the season and the Preds are 4-5. If the Oilers don’t beat the Overs with McDavid in the lineup, I don’t see them providing enough offense to push an Over 6.5 over the threshold.

Roof UNDER 6.5 (-120).

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