Edmonton Oilers vs Nashville Predators: Game preview, predictions, and odds | October 31, 2024

The Edmonton Oilers travel to Nashville to play the Predators on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET. Edmonton (4–5–1) is coming off a 6–1 blowout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, while Nashville (3–5–1) is coming off a 3–2 OT loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday.

Oilers vs Predators: Head-to-head & key numbers

• Edmonton is 38-38-3-8 all-time against Nashville.
• The Oilers are averaging 2.2 goals per game.
• The Predators are allowing 3.44 goals per game.
• Edmonton is allowing 3.5 goals per game.
• Nashville is averaging 2.55 goals per game.

Edmonton Oilers vs Nashville Predators: Game preview

Edmonton will be without its captain and star player Connor McDavid who is out for 2-3 weeks. The injury is a big blow to the Oilers' offense, and coach Kris Knoblauch says he needs other players to step up.

"Well, absolutely the challenge is not having the best player, point producer, someone who gets one and a half, two points a game, that'll make an impact on our team," Knoblauch said, via NHL.com.

"I think it's a great opportunity for everyone to step up and play. Just as a player, it's awfully hard to get in a rhythm and a flow for those players. Now, when you're missing somebody who is playing about 22 minutes a night, there's a lot more rhythm for those third-, fourth-line guys. [They're] able to feel good about themselves and feel part of the game."

Edmonton has been led by Leon Draisaitl and McDavid who have 10 points each, Mattias Ekholm eight points, and Evan Bouchard six.

The Oilers are expected to start Calvin Pickard who is 2–1 with a 2.91 goals-against average and a .875 save percentage.

Meanwhile, Nashville is back at home and will start Juuse Saros who has just okay to begin the season. Saros is 2–4–1 with a 2.75 GAA and a .905 SV%. At home this season, Saros is 1–3 with a 3.08 GAA and a .903 SV%.

The Predators were led by Filip Forsberg and Ryan O'Reilly with eight points each, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei with six points each, and Roman Josi with five.

Oilers vs Predators: Odds & prediction

Edmonton is a +110 underdog while Nashville is a -130 favorite. The over/under is set at six goals.

The Oilers offense should struggle even more without McDavid, as Edmonton lacks depth in scoring. Meanwhile, Nashville will have fresh legs after not playing since Monday, which should benefit Saros.

Saros should be able to limit Edmonton's offense to get a much-needed win here.

Prediction: Nashville 5, Edmonton 2.

Oilers vs Predators: Betting tips

Tip 1: Nashville ML -130

Tip 2: Over 6 goals -125

Tip 3: Steven Stamkos over 0.5 points -154

Tip 4: Jeff Skinner 3+ shots on goal -130