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Game Preview: Edmonton Oilers @ Minnesota Wild
The Edmonton Oilers head to Xcel Energy Center on December 2 to take on the Minnesota Wild in a matchup between two teams with high preseason expectations but inconsistent regular season results.
The Oilers have begun to regain form behind resurgent performances from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, while Minnesota is still struggling to find rhythm under new coaching. This inter-conference showdown offers interesting angles for bettors as both teams try to climb their respective division standings.
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Odds and Key Information
Edmonton enters as a slight road favorite with a moneyline around -120. Minnesota is priced at +100 at home, and the total for this game is listed at 6.5 goals.
The Oilers come in with an 11-10-1 record, averaging 3.3 goals per game and allowing 3.2. Their power play remains elite at 28.9%, while the penalty kill has hovered just above 79%.
The Wild are 9-12-2 and scoring just 2.8 goals per game, while conceding 3.5. Their penalty kill is under 75%, and the power play is operating around 17%.
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Edmonton Oilers Outlook
The Oilers are finally showing signs of life after a rocky start. McDavid and Draisaitl are starting to regain their MVP-level form, and the team’s shot generation is back to elite levels.
Edmonton continues to rely on its top unit for scoring, but contributions from Zach Hyman and Evan Bouchard have helped diversify the offense. Their possession metrics are strong, ranking top five in Corsi-for percentage.
Defensively, they remain inconsistent. Goaltending has been a weak spot, with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard rotating starts and struggling with rebound control. Special teams, especially the power play, are still among the league’s best.
Follow their form and latest stats through the Oilers’ team profile.
Minnesota Wild Outlook
The Wild have not lived up to early expectations and continue to search for consistency under a recent coaching change. Offense has been an issue, and although Kirill Kaprizov leads the team, production from secondary lines has been limited.
Minnesota’s defensive play has also regressed. They’re allowing over 3.5 goals per game, and their penalty kill has been ineffective. The goaltending duo of Filip Gustavsson and Marc-André Fleury has underperformed based on expected save percentage.
One bright spot has been their home form — they’ve won 5 of their last 8 at Xcel Energy Center — but they remain vulnerable against high-end speed and elite offensive teams like Edmonton.
Get up-to-date insights on Minnesota via their team page.
Key Matchup
The most important battle will be Edmonton’s top power-play unit against Minnesota’s struggling penalty kill.
The Oilers generate a high volume of chances and excel in puck movement on the man advantage. The Wild have failed to clear traffic and often get caught out of position, leading to rebound goals and backdoor plays.
If Edmonton gets multiple opportunities with the extra man, they could tilt the scoreboard quickly. Discipline will be key for Minnesota to keep the game close.
Betting Trends
- Edmonton is 6-1 in its last 7 games overall
- Minnesota is 3-6 in its last 9 games at home
- The Over is 5-2 in Edmonton’s last 7 road games
- The Under is 4-1 in the last 5 head-to-head meetings
- Edmonton is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games vs teams below .500
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Prediction
While Minnesota has home-ice advantage, the Oilers are playing the better hockey at this stage. Their elite top-line production, special teams dominance, and offensive metrics point toward a favorable outcome on the road.
If Edmonton avoids defensive lapses and doesn’t give up early goals, their firepower should carry them. Minnesota’s inconsistencies at both ends make them a difficult team to trust in close matchups.
Projected Score: Edmonton Oilers 4, Minnesota Wild 2
Spread Pick: Edmonton -1.5
Total Lean: Over 6.5
Why You Need Expert Picks
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