Colorado Avalanche at Edmonton Oilers Betting Preview/Prop Picks

Game 3 of the NHL Western Conference Finals between the Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers is set for Saturday night. Colorado has taken a 2-0 series lead, but this series will now shift to Edmonton. 

The Avalanche are the top seed in the Western Conference, and they have lost just two total playoff games up to this point. Colorado hasn’t always delivered in the playoffs in recent years, but they are playing well this season.

Edmonton got past the Calgary Flames in the second round to set up this showdown, but they have been overmatched up to this point. Playing at home can give the Oilers a boost on Saturday, but this is now a must-win situation. 

The Colorado Avalanche are moneyline betting favorites at -133 over the Edmonton Oilers for Game 3 of this series.

Avalanche Break Out the Defense

The first game of this series was an offensive clinic by both teams, but Colorado was able to flip the script for Game 2. Colorado picked up a 4-0 win in that game, and it was a backup goaltender that shut the door.

Pavel Francouz stopped all 24 shots that he faced in the Game 2 win, but he also got plenty of help from the defense in front of him. Colorado has some of the most skilled defensive players in hockey, and they shut down the Oilers. 

Nathan MacKinnon scored his 10th postseason goal late in the Game 2 victory, and he is one of many offensive weapons for the Avalanche. Colorado can score right with Edmonton, but they will focus on defense as well. 

Oilers Have to Score

The Edmonton Oilers scored six goals in the series opener, but it still wasn’t enough to beat the Avalanche. Game 2 was played at a much slower pace, and Edmonton was unable to put any pucks in the back of the net. 

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have combined for 57 playoff points already, and Evander Kane has scored 13 goals. That trio of players will have to take over this game if the Oilers are going to claw back into this series. 

Goaltender Mike Smith was actually solid in Game 2, even though he allowed four goals. Smith was able to make 36 stops, and he needs some help from his defense. 

Colorado Cruises to Commanding Lead

The Edmonton Oilers are returning home searching for answers, and it’s just hard to find them against a team as good as Colorado. Edmonton will look to get the offense rolling yet again, but then they also have to be solid on the defensive end of the ice. 

Colorado comes into this game with a ton of momentum, and they have just been beating teams all throughout the postseason. The Avalanche don’t want to allow the Oilers to get back into this series, and they can clearly take control with another win. 

Edmonton will score some goals in this game, but it’s not going to be enough to beat the Avalanche. Bet the Colorado Avalanche -1.5 as they go on the road and deliver a crushing blow by picking up another win by at least two goals.

Prop Picks

Colorado (+170) OVER 4.5 Goals

Colorado is averaging 3.8 goals per game on offense, which ranks No. 4 in the league, while converting 24.0 percent its power plays, which ranks No. 7.  Scores have gone OVER in four of the Avalanche’s last five road games.

With Dunkel predicting a Colorado victory by the score of 5-3, take the Avalanche (+170) to finish OVER their Vegas team total of 4.5 goals against the Oilers.

Nathan MacKinnon (-115) OVER 0.5 Assists

Mackinnon had 56 assists in 65 games during the regular season, which was tied for No. 3 on the Avalanche. The veteran center has added 6 assists in 12 games during the postseason, which is tied for No. 5 on the Avalanche.

With Dunkel predicting a Colorado win while going OVER it Vegas team goal total, take MacKinnon (-115) to finish OVER 0.5 assists versus Edmonton.

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All Media on this page by Associated Press.