In Saturday NHL Western Conference Finals action, the Edmonton Oilers take on the Colorado Avalanche.
The Colorado Avalanche will try to grab a 3-0 series lead over Edmonton in the Western Conference Finals. The Avalanche are coming off a 4-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in game 2. They scored 312 goals this season, good for third place among NHL clubs. Colorado is the 7th best defensive squad in the league, allowing opponents to score an average of 2.83 goals per game. The Avalanche finished the season with a strength of schedule rating of 26th in the league. They are the NHL’s third-ranked team when it comes to opponent-adjusted scoring margin entering this game.
The Edmonton Oilers, who are behind 2-0 in the series, are trying to capitalise on the series’ return to Edmonton. The Oilers have 290 goals on the season, for a 3.48 goal per game average. This puts them in seventh place among NHL teams. Edmonton’s defence is rated 16th in the league, allowing 3.06 goals per game. The Oilers have had the league’s 17th toughest schedule this season. Edmonton has a power ranking of 11th in the NHL when comparing their scoring margin to the quality of their opponents.
Mikko Rantanen leads the Colorado Avalanche in goal and overall scoring with 92 points in 75 games. With a shooting percentage of 14.2 percent, he has reached his goal total of 36. So far, he’s scored 44.0 percent of his goals on the power play. Nathan MacKinnon, who has 56 assists to go along with his 32 goals, is right behind him. His offensive production has earned him a plus-minus rating of +22 while on the ice. Darcy Kuemper is Colorado’s best goalkeeper, allowing 2.54 goals per game on average. In 57 games, he has made 32 quality starts, a quality start percentage that is higher than the league average.
Leon Draisaitl has scored 82 goals in 82 games with Edmonton. He is second in overall points with 110, thanks to his 55 goals and 55 assists. He is converting 19.8 percent of his shots into goals this season. Furthermore, the Oilers have benefited from the excellent play of Connor McDavid, who leads the club in scoring. He has 44 goals in 82 games for Edmonton, with a 14.0 percent shooting percentage. His offensive production has resulted in a plus minus rating of +28 while on the ice. Mikko Koskinen is Edmonton’s best goalie, allowing an average of 3.1 goals per game. Only 44 percent of the time in his 45 games has he produced a quality start.
The over-under betting line for game 3 is set at 7 goals once again. After combining for 14 goals in game one, Edmonton and Colorado only scored for four in game two. The Avalanche appear to have made the defensive adjustments necessary to stifle the Oilers’ scoring threat.
Free Pick: Edmonton Oilers
