Rogers Place will play host to an enticing showdown as the Edmonton Oilers face off against the visiting Winnipeg Jets. CBC Sports will broadcast this Western Conference matchup, and the puck drops at 10 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 29.

Winnipeg Jets vs. Edmonton Oilers Odds

The Oilers are 33-31 straight up (SU) and have earned 3.5 units for moneyline bettors this year. That winning percentage, ranked third in the Pacific Division so far this season, is a welcomed improvement compared to what the team managed during last year’s regular season (35-47). Through 64 regular season outings, 31 of its games have gone over the total, while 29 have gone under and just four have pushed. The team’s 15-15 SU at home this year.

Edmonton currently has the second-strongest power-play unit in the NHL, as it’s found the net on 28.6 percent of their extra-man opportunities this season. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked third overall, and it’s successfully killed off 84.1 percent of all penalties.

Edmonton, as a collective unit, has been penalized 3.4 times per game overall this season, 3.4 per game over its last five games total, and 3.6 per game over its last five home outings. The team has been forced to kill penalties for just 7.4 minutes per game over its last 10 matchups, overall.

Averaging 27.5 saves per game with a .911 save percentage, Mikko Koskinen (17-17-2) has been the principal goalkeeper for the Oilers this year. If they, however, choose to give him a breather, head coach Dave Tippett could turn to Mike Smith (17-18-18 record, .903 save percentage, 2.90 goals against average).

The Oilers will continue to rely on leadership from Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. Draisaitl (99 points) has tallied 37 goals and 62 assists and has recorded multiple points in 30 different games this year. McDavid has 31 goals and 56 assists to his name and has recorded at least one point in 43 games.

On the visitors’ side of the ice, Winnipeg is 33-33 straight up (SU) and has netted 2.6 units for moneyline bettors this year. A total of 35 of its outings have gone under the total, while 29 have gone over and just two have pushed. Winnipeg’s 16-16 SU as an away team this season.

Winnipeg has converted on 19.8 percent of its power play chances this year, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 23rd overall and it’s successfully killed off 77.7 percent of all penalties.

Winnipeg’s skaters have been penalized only 3.1 times per game this season, and 3.8 per game over their last five road outings. The team has been forced to stave off opponent power plays 8.7 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.

Connor Hellebuyck (.920 save percentage and 2.67 goals against average) has been the primary option in goal for Winnipeg. Hellebuyck is averaging 28.5 saves per game and has 28 wins, 25 losses, and five overtime losses to his credit.

Mark Scheifele (28 goals, 42 assists) will lead the offensive attack for the visiting Jets.

Winnipeg Jets at Edmonton Oilers Betting Predictions

Prediction: SU Winner – Oilers, O/U – Under

Notes

Betting Notes

Four of Winnipeg’s last five outings have gone under the total.

Penalties and power plays may have a key role in tonight’s game. The Jets are 15-20 in games where they serve fewer penalty minutes than their opponent and 22-29 when they’re in the box for fewer than 10 penalty minutes, total. The Oilers are 15-9 when they serve fewer penalty minutes than the opposition and 25-22 when their penalty minutes are in the single digits.

Winnipeg is 3-2 in games decided by a shootout this season while Edmonton is 2-2 in shootouts.

Edmonton is ranked 8th in the NHL with 8.3 takeaways per game. That figure has trended down lately, however, as it has created 7.4 takeaways over its last 10 games and 5.6 takeaways over its last five.

Winnipeg skaters have created 6.4 takeaways per game over its last five road games, its season average of 6.8 takeaways per game (ranked 22nd in the league).