Hurricanes vs Oilers

Tony Sartori breaks down Thursday's NHL game between the Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers.

Last season, McDavid and Draisaitl were each held without a point in both games against the Canes. This team hounds the opposition and tries to make their lives as difficult as possible with constant pressure. The Edmonton Oilers start to the season has not been as strong as Carolina’s. At 5v5, the Oilers are producing just 2.85 expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60). While Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are capable of exploding for three or more goals on any given night, it is tough to fill the scoresheet when the other 10 forwards aren’t producing. The under cashed in both of the meetings between these two clubs last season. The Carolina Hurricanes have started the season in dominant fashion as they are 3-0 with a combined winning margin of 11-3. This matchup should be more of the same as Andersen has absolutely DOMINATED Edmonton throughout his career. This strong start is a continuation of last year’s incredible campaign as he went 35-14-3 with a .922 SV% and 2.17 GAA while ranking fourth among starters in 5v5 GSAx/60. Over 21 appearances, Andersen is 17-1-2 with a .928 SV% and 2.16 GAA. Through two starts this year, Andersen is 2-0 with a .964 SV% and 1.00 GAA. Get up-to-the-minute [NHL Odds](https://www.actionnetwork.com/nhl/odds)here.

NHL odds, picks, and predictions for the Carolina Hurricanes at Edmonton Oilers on October 20. NHL betting best bet and free pick analysis.

In front of Skinner is a blue line that has struggled every year during the McDavid era. They did absolutely nothing to address this problem over the off-season, which has already shown through the first three games as they rank 30th in xGA at 5v5. Another aspect of this game is the fact that Frederik Andersen is projected to take the crease for Carolina. After appearing in relief for Jack Campbell against the Flames, Skinner stopped all 31 shots he faced. Andersen has absolutely stifled the Oilers throughout his career, going 17-1-2 with a .928 SV% and 2.16 GAA. I would lean towards the Under in this game, but I do not trust Edmonton’s defense or goaltending at all. Recording at least four in all three of Edmonton’s games this season, we should expect the world’s most talented player to keep firing the puck in this contest. I think Carolina will win as a short road underdog, one of the rare times you will get them at plus money. Out of necessity, McDavid and Draisaitl are shooting the puck more than anyone else on this roster (outside of Evander Kane) because of how inefficient the other 10 forwards have been. Continuing a trend from last year’s playoffs, the two superstars are generating the vast majority of this team’s point production. With the 2022-23 NHL season underway, we have a great matchup on Thursday night between the Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers. In his last outing against Carolina, McDavid logged five shots in a 2-1 loss.

Jack Campbell and the rest of the Oilers look to get out to a lead...and hold it.

He’s currently listed as day-to-day, though this will be something to follow in the coming days. - BLENDER ON “WHIP”: The line blender is in full effect with Yamamoto up top and Puljujärvi on the third line with Warren Foegele and Ryan McLeod. I know, I know, you can’t light up Campbell alone for Edmonton’s first period against Calgary on Saturday night, but Jack Campbell will tell you that he needs to be better.