NHL Betting Free Picks: Vancouver @ Edmonton
Added on Jan 21, 2010 by Jack Thurman in
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When handicapping hockey games for NHL betting purposes its important to understand how the results fit into the ‘big picture’. We’ll see an example of this in our play on tonight’s Vancouver Canucks/Edmonton Oilers game. To the less experienced sports betting player some of the statistical data we’ll examine might look to be in conflict or inconclusive but an understanding of its context reveals a good opportunity for a wagering position.
Vancouver Canucks at Edmonton Oilers
January 20, 7:05 PM Pacific
The Vancouver Canucks are finally showing signs that they’ve figured out how to play every important phase of the NHL game on the same night. They’ve gone through phases this year where they couldn’t score or keep anyone else from scoring but they’re starting to play a more complete hockey game on a more consistent basis. The Canucks recently struggled through a three game losing streak but before that had won 11 of 14.
Edmonton is the exception to Western Conference superiority in the NHL, and is only two points ahead of Carolina for the worst record in the league. They’re tied for 28th in allowing the most goals per game and this should give Vancouver an opportunity to play ‘loose’ and score some goals after a recent stretch against tough defensive teams like Phoenix, Calgary and Nashville.
Teams have already played twice this year, and the results are somewhat confusing. The most recent two meetings had a total of 15 goals scored, the first two had a total of 5 goals scored. So what to make of those results? It’s important to note that the first two meetings took place in October, when the Canucks were having a terrible time scoring goals. They were getting a lot of shots, but the shots weren’t going in the net. We think the most recent two games are more characteristic of how this one will go.
Bet Vancouver/Edmonton Over 5′ -120
