Vancouver Canucks - Edmonton Oilers predictions and free betting tips [17/05/2024]

The Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers are set to face off tomorrow morning in Game 5 of the NHL Western Conference playoff series.

Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks are tied 2-2 in the series and are gearing up for Game 5. In Game 4, the team performed subpar for most of the game but managed to score two goals in the third period before conceding the winning goal with less than a minute remaining. Vancouver clinched the first game, giving them a shot at the conference final, standing two wins away from this goal. In the third period of Game 4, Vancouver rallied, netting two goals but conceded the winning goal in the last minute. The Canucks hope to secure a home victory to take the lead in the series. In the first period, the Canucks trailed 0-1. In the second period, they outshot the opponent 14-9, conceding another goal and trailing 0-2 after 40 minutes of play. In the third period, the Canucks scored two goals. Conor Garland scored his second playoff goal at the 6-minute mark, assisted by Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov.

In the first round, the Canucks defeated the Nashville Predators in 6 games, despite frequent penalty kills. In the playoffs, Vancouver has successfully played from behind, but this strategy is risky against Edmonton. The Canucks score 2.70 goals per game, convert 20% of their power plays, and defend at 78.1% on the penalty kill. He noted that some players did not show the necessary level of play and doubts whether they understand the importance of the current situation. Elias Pettersson is also struggling in the series, with only two points in the playoffs, including one goal and three assists in 10 games. He expressed his desire to turn things around and perform better in the upcoming game.

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers aim to regain home-ice advantage after levelling the series 2-2 with a 3-2 victory over the Canucks in Game 4. Leon Draisaitl opened the scoring, netting the only goal of the first period. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins doubled Edmonton's lead in the second period. Vancouver tied the game, but just a minute later, Edmonton reclaimed the lead and secured the win. Calvin Pickard stopped 19 of the 21 shots he faced. Edmonton showcased resilience, scoring the game-winning goal through Evan Bouchard in the last minute after Vancouver equalised. The Oilers are known for their offensive prowess, scoring at least one power-play goal in each playoff game, but their defensive abilities were crucial in levelling the series.

Edmonton's ability to limit Vancouver's opportunities in Game 4 helped veteran goalie Calvin Pickard secure a win in his first NHL playoff game. In Game 3, the Edmonton Oilers secured a 3-2 win, tying the series. Edmonton was leading 2-0 in the third period but allowed Vancouver to tie the game before scoring the game-winning goal with a minute left. In this series, the Oilers have struggled to maintain a full 60 minutes of play: in the first game, they blew a 4-1 lead, and then faced challenges in every game of the series. Edmonton won Game 2 with a 4-3 score and defeated the Los Angeles Kings in the first round in 5 games.

Prediction for the Vancouver Canucks - Edmonton Oilers Match

With each game, the stakes rise higher, and I will once again bet on the total goals under 6.5. It's too high a total for such a crucial game in the series; no one will be taking risks.