They are currently second to last in the league with just two wins in their first eight games. This Oilers vs Wild moneyline pick looks to generously favor Edmonton in these two club’s first meeting this season.
Goaltending
The Oilers are projected to start Mikko Koskinen. Koskinen has been very solid in his four starts this year. The Finn is yet to lose a game and has a very respectable save percentage of .934. Koskinen has a 2.20 GAA and has yet to allow more than three goals in a game this season. Look for him to build off of his last start where he stopped 25 of 26 shots.
Oilers’ Hot Start
Minnesota’s Early Woes
The Wild currently owns the second worst record in the NHL. They have started their season averaging 2.25 goals per game. This is the third lowest rate of any team this season. They have also allowed the most goals per game. Opponents have averaged 4.00 goals against the Wild. None of Minnesota’s skaters have more than five points in the club’s eight games. Most of their limited offensive production has been driven by their defensemen. The top three scorers thus far have all been defensemen. Brad Hunt and Ryan Suter both have five points while Jared Spurgeon has four points on the year. Their top-six forward group will really need to pick up their production if the Wild will have any chance against a hot Edmonton squad. Minnesota’s top two lines have combined for just six goals. They have come off of the sticks of just two players as well. Zach Parise and Jason Zucker have three goals a piece. The combination of a lack of offense and the inability to keep the puck will make winning this matchup a challenge.
Oilers vs Wild Moneyline Pick: Summary
These two clubs have had polar opposite starts to the year. While the Oilers have looked very good to start the season, Minnesota looks to be in a tough position. The Wild have almost nothing going for them as they have struggled both the score and keep the puck out of their net. This doesn’t look likely to change against Edmonton. Draisaitl and McDavid are elite talents and should have not problem torching Minnesota in this contest.
Oilers vs Wild Moneyline Pick: Prediction
Edmonton Oilers Moneyline (+110)