The New York Islanders (12-8-0), one of the NHL’s top penalty killing teams, play host to the Edmonton Oilers (10-9-0) and their opportunistic power play offense at UBS Arena on Wednesday. Edmonton is coming off a 5-2 loss against the Devils on Monday. The Oilers took advantage of their power play opportunities, scoring once on four shots, while also conceding a power play goal.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Leon Draisaitl each scored once for the Oilers. Stuart Skinner saved only 23 of 28 shots against (.821%) in the loss.New York beat the Maple Leafs 3-2 (OT) on Monday.
Noah Dobson, Anthony Beauvillier, and Josh Bailey each scored once for the Islanders. Dobson added an assist to lead the team in scoring. Ilya Sorokin was impressive in the win, making 30 saves (.937%).
HEAD TO HEAD
The teams split their two meetings last season, the last of which was a 3-1 victory for the Oilers in February. Connor McDavid led Edmonton with two points (0G 2A). Beauvillier scored New York’s only goal. Mike Smith got the win, saving 37 of 38 shots (.973%).
FACING OFF
Edmonton is averaging 3.47 goals per game for the season, sixth in the NHL, and they are taking on an Islanders team that is allowing 2.75 goals a game (11th). Meanwhile, New York has found the net 3.30 times a game on average, 12th in the league, and the Oilers are allowing opponents to score 3.63 goals per game (28th).
The Oilers’ second-ranked power play offense (31.34%) will be put to the test against the Islanders, who are the league’s fourth-best penalty killing team (83.08%). New York, meanwhile, has scored on 20.34% of their power play opportunities (18th), which the hosts will be seeking to build on against Edmonton’s 28th-ranked 74.03% penalty killing rate.
TOP PERFORMERS:
With 35 points this season, most in the NHL, McDavid is the top skater for the Oilers. He leads the league with 16 goals and ranks fourth with 19 assists. In the net, Skinner (4-4-0) is Edmonton’s top goaltender by goals against average.
He has a 2.52 GAA and a .930% save percentage, third-best in the league. Mathew Barzal leads the Islanders in scoring with 22 points. He has two goals and 20 assists (3rd) in 20 games. Sorokin (7-5-0) has the best goals against average for New York at 2.41. He has a save percentage of .925%.
HOME AND AWAY
Edmonton is 5-3-0 away from Rogers Place this season. New York is 6-3-0 at home this season.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
Edmonton Oilers (-105)
Want up to a $1K risk free bet for this pick?
Claim with today!
If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our NHL hub page for all your hockey needs!
*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.