As the NHL action heats up tonight with a compelling Western Conference showdown, all eyes are on the Edmonton Oilers visiting the Minnesota Wild in what promises to be a high-stakes matchup at 8:30 PM ET.
Our NHL best bets and expert picks spotlight this intriguing contest between two teams with contrasting recent histories - the Oilers riding a 6-1-0 hot streak while the Wild look to leverage their home-ice advantage with a solid 5-2-0 run.
With their previous two meetings this season producing fireworks (including a 7-1 Oilers victory and a 5-3 Wild win), tonight's clash offers compelling betting opportunities across moneyline, totals, and spread markets.
NHL Best Bets
| Game | Time | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 8:30 PM | Oilers -1.5 (+140)|Over 5.5 goals (-125)|Wild ML (+160) |
Wild vs. Oilers
Wednesday, Jan 15
8:30 PM
Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul, MN
The Edmonton Oilers enter this matchup riding an impressive two-game winning streak, showcasing their offensive prowess with an average of 3.26 goals per game.
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have been instrumental in the Oilers' recent success, consistently creating scoring opportunities through their elite playmaking abilities.
The Oilers' defensive unit, anchored by Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm, has been exceptional, allowing only three goals in their last two games.
In their previous meeting, the Oilers dominated the Wild with a convincing 7-1 victory, demonstrating their ability to exploit Minnesota's defensive vulnerabilities.
Stuart Skinner's solid goaltending performance adds another layer of confidence to this pick, as he's shown consistency in making crucial saves.
Historical data shows high-scoring affairs between these teams, with their two previous meetings this season producing 8 goals each.
The Oilers' offensive firepower, led by McDavid and Draisaitl, has been particularly effective against Minnesota, scoring 10 goals in their two matchups.
Minnesota's home ice advantage typically leads to more aggressive offensive play, with the team averaging over 3 goals per game.
The Wild's motivation for revenge after their 7-1 loss suggests they'll push for a more offensive approach.
Both teams have shown consistent scoring ability in recent games, with the Wild going 5-2-0 and the Oilers 6-1-0 in their last seven games respectively.
The Minnesota Wild have shown remarkable resilience at home, with a strong record in their last seven games (5-2-0).
The Wild's defensive unit, featuring Brock Faber and Jacob Middleton, has been effective in limiting opponents to 2.73 goals per game.
Filip Gustavsson's goaltending has been particularly strong on home ice, providing stability in crucial moments.
The Wild's previous 5-3 victory over the Oilers this season demonstrates their capability to compete successfully against Edmonton.
The attractive +160 odds offer significant value considering Minnesota's recent form and home-ice advantage.
Related
