New York Rangers vs Edmonton Oilers (2/17 @ 9:00 PM EST)
Puck Line: Oilers -1.5
Money Line: Rangers +105 / Oilers -125
Total: 6.5
Overview and Betting Info
On Friday night, the New York Rangers (32-14-8) will head to Edmonton to take on the Oilers (30-19-6). They met once this season, with the Oilers winning 4-3 in New York. The Rangers are third in the Metro with 72 points, while the Oilers are fourth in the Pacific with 66 points.
The Rangers are 26-28 against the puck line this season, covering 16 of their 25 road games. They have gone over the total 25 times, 10 of which came on the road.
The Oilers are 27-28 versus the puck line but have covered just 11 of their 28 home games. They have gone over the total 35 times, 17 of which came at home.
New York Rangers
The Rangers have won their last six games to climb into the top three of their division. That streak includes impressive wins against Vegas, Seattle, and Carolina. During that span, they are averaging 5.2 goals scored and 2.8 allowed. The Rangers have been solid on offense, ranking ninth in goals forced (3.37 GF/GP), twelfth in power play percentage (22.6%), and fifteenth in shots (32.2). Their defense has been fantastic, ranking fifth in goals allowed (2.65 GA/GP), tenth in penalty kill percentage (80.9%), and eighth in shots allowed (29.4). The Rangers have been fantastic on the road, going 16-5-4.
The Rangers forwards are led by Artemi Panarin (18 G, 44 A) and Mike Zibanejad (28 G, 29 A, +19). Panarin has been on an incredible run to start the season, with 12 points in six games this month. He has six goals and two assists in his last two games alone. Zibanejad hasn’t been far behind, with seven goals in his five games this month (9 total points). He plays on the top line, with Panarin on the second. Expect to see Vincent Trocheck (15 G, 24 A) and Chris Kreider (22 G, 15 A, +15). Both have played well, but Kreider has been better with a six-game point streak (7 points). Kreider had a goal against Edmonton earlier this year.
The New York blue line is led by Adam Fox (10 G, 41 A, +26) and Ryan Lindgren (1 G, 15 A, +25). Fox was an All-Star this season thanks to his defense and impressive assist total. Lindgren is more defensive-minded, making them a solid top pairing. They combined for three assists in their game against Edmonton earlier this season. K’Andre Miller (6 G, 24 A) rounds out this talented young defensive corps. Miller wasn’t great against the Oilers, but he’s had an incredible month with five points in six games, including a goal scored in their last.
The Rangers have a good duo of goaltenders led by Igor Shesterkin (24-8-7, 2.52 GA/GP, 91.5% SV). The goalie has been great this season and is off to a 3-0 start in February despite allowing ten goals and saving 88% of shots. He allowed four goals to Vancouver on Wednesday, so we’ll see if the Rangers decide to give him the night off in favor of Jaroslav Halak (8-6-1, 2.62 GA/GP, 90.7%). He has been great lately, averaging two goals over his last six games. Halak is coming off an impressive win against the Canes on Saturday, where he allowed two goals on 29 shots.
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers enter Friday’s matchup looking for a win after dropping two of their last three, including an embarrassing 6-2 loss to the Habs. Despite the losses, the Oilers still are in the thick of the playoff race, sitting fourth in the Pacific but just three points from the leader. Their success has come from an offense that is among the NHL’s best, ranking first in goals forced (3.72 GF/GP) and power play percentage (31.1%), while also ranking ninth in shots (33.1). Their defense has been a bit of an issue, ranking twentieth in goals (3.20 GA/GP) and shots (31.9) allowed and twenty-sixth in penalty kill percentage (75.4%). Edmonton has not been impressive at home, with a record of 13-11-3.
The Oilers’ offense has been led by NHL point-leaders Connor McDavid (42 G, 66 A) and Leon Draisaitl (30 G, 49 A). McDavid is the NHL’s best player, using his speed and ability to lead the NHL in points and goals while ranking second in assists. He was held scoreless in his lone game against the Rangers but registered an assist. McDavid failed to register a point against the Habs on Sunday, the first time he has done so in 2023. Draisaitl has been fantastic this season, ranking second in points (79) and fourth in assists. He managed a goal against the Rangers in December and has three points in his last two games. Expect to see Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (24 G, 39 A) and Zach Hyman (27 G, 36 A) present a challenge for the Rangers, as both have three points in their last four games.
The Oilers blueline is highlighted by the trio of Tyson Barrie (7 G, 28 A), Darnell Nurse (6G, 21 A, +15), and Evan Bouchard (3G, 17A). All three are talented defenders who also help create on offense. Nurse leads the team in penalty minutes but has managed to stay out of the penalty box in his four games this month.
The Oilers have used a combination of Stuart Skinner (13-11-4, 2.95 GA, 91.3% SV) and Jack Campbell (17-8-1, 3.27 GA, 89.0% SV) in goal this season. Both have struggled this month, with Skinner allowing seven goals in two games and Campbell allowing nine in three. Campbell allowed four goals in an overtime loss to the Rangers and may earn another start, as Skinner is 1-6 over his last seven starts. Skinner is an All-Star and has more talent, but don’t be surprised to see him on the bench on Friday.
Free Pick: Rangers +105
New York has been on fire and should be set to take on McDavid and the Oilers. We look at the Oilers’ recent schedule and have some significant concerns. Over their last eight games, their only wins came against the Sens, Blackhawks, and Red Wings. Their losses were to the Blue Jackets, Flyers, Habs, and Red Wings. Those aren’t impressive results and indicate a significant issue. McDavid can make up for much of this, but the Rangers have the more complete team.
We believe the Rangers’ defense will be able to contain the Oilers enough to allow their offense to score four or more goals for the win. Panarin and Zibanejad are playing as well as anyone in the league, along with Fox. They have shown they play well on the road, while the Oilers have struggled to defend their home ice. This one may start close but expect the Rangers to wear down the Oilers to pull ahead for a solid road win.
We’re taking the Ranger’s money line on Friday.
