- What: NHL Regular Season Game
- When: January 16, 2025
- Who: Edmonton Oilers vs. Colorado Avalanche
- Time: 6:40 p.m. PST
- Where: Ball Arena (Denver, CO)
Tonight’s matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and Colorado Avalanche is shaping up to be a nail-biter, with both teams showcasing their offensive firepower.
However, if you dig a little deeper, the real stars of the show might just be the goalies.
With the public heavily backing the over 6.5 goals, sharp bettors are leaning towards the under at -105 odds, and here’s why that makes sense.
Edmonton
First off, let’s talk about the Oilers’ netminder, Stuart Skinner. This guy has been on fire lately, allowing two or fewer goals in 12 of his last 17 games.
That’s not just a fluke; it’s a trend. Skinner has been a wall, and with the Oilers’ recent defensive improvements, he’s been able to keep the score down while his teammates do their thing on offense.
The Oilers have been averaging 3.26 goals per game, but with Skinner in the crease, they’ve been able to tighten up defensively, making it harder for opponents to find the back of the net.
IT'S GAME DAY!
The #Oilers will put their three-game win streak on the line as they head into the second half of back-to-back games tonight against the Avalanche.
⏰ 7:30pm MT
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???? @CHED880#LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/bOn4M6DF8b— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) January 16, 2025
Now, let’s not forget about the offensive stars like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. These guys are the real deal, and they can light up the scoreboard in a hurry.
McDavid is currently on pace for over 120 points this season, while MacKinnon has been racking up points like it’s nobody’s business.
But even with these offensive juggernauts on the ice, the recent performances of both goalies suggest that this game could be more about defense than offense.
Colorado
On the flip side, we have Mackenzie Blackwood, the recent addition to the Avalanche. Since joining the team, Blackwood has also been stellar, allowing two goals or fewer in each of his last 12 starts.
This is no small feat, especially in a league where scoring is at an all-time high.
Blackwood’s ability to keep the puck out of the net has been crucial for the Avalanche, who have struggled to find consistent scoring lately, averaging just 2.3 goals per game over their last six outings.
A prime time tilt. #GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/ZGSkDD7fvd
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) January 16, 2025
The betting trends also support the under. The Oilers have seen the under hit in four of their last five games, and the Avalanche have been on a 5-1 run for the under as well.
With both teams trending towards lower-scoring games, it’s hard to ignore the data. The sharps are clearly seeing something that the public might be overlooking, and that’s where the value lies.
Oilers-Avs Best Bet
In a game that feels like a toss-up, targeting the total instead of picking a side is a savvy move. The under 6.5 goals at -105 odds is the best bet here.
With both goalies playing at such a high level and the offensive output of both teams being inconsistent lately, it’s reasonable to expect a lower-scoring affair.
So, while everyone else is throwing their money on the over, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the game knowing you made the smart play.
Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
