The Edmonton Oilers suffered a small setback on Saturday afternoon, falling in overtime against the Los Angeles Kings. They’ll have to turn the page quickly as they’re right back in action Sunday against another Pacific Division opponent in Anaheim.
My Oilers vs. Ducks predictions see Evan Bouchard making his mark offensively in a winning effort for Edmonton.
Let’s break things down further with my NHL picks for Sunday, December 29.
Oilers vs Ducks prediction
My Oilers pick
Evan Bouchard Over 0.5 assists (-125 at BET99)
My Oilers analysis
Evan Bouchard recorded a whopping 64 assists a season ago. After a slow start to the year in terms of playmaking, the star puck-moving defenseman is starting to ramp things up.
Bouchard has recorded 15 assists over his past 20 games, including nine spanning Edmonton’s last 10 wins. Bouchard recorded an assist in 64% of the team’s wins in 2023-24, a stark contrast from his 43% hit rate in losses. That’s a 21% gap.
It has only widened this season, with Bouchard’s hit rate in wins sitting 38% higher than in losses. When the Edmonton Oilers have success, Bouchard generally gets in on the fun.
The good news is the Oilers, who are coming off an overtime loss Saturday afternoon, find themselves in a great spot to get back in the win column Sunday.
They are taking on a struggling Anaheim Ducks team that has won just 13 of 34 games this season. They have been a defensive trainwreck, allowing 32.1 shots per game (second-most) and killing penalties at one of the lowest clips in the NHL.
Anaheim puts a lot of pressure on its goaltenders to keep them in games, which is not a recipe for success going up against a team featuring as much superstar talent as the Oilers.
That has shown in recent history. The Oilers have won nine of the past 10 head-to-head meetings and scored at least five goals in eight of them.
Bouchard’s taken full advantage, piling up 10 assists in that span while recording an assist in eight of those matchups.
Considering the total sits at 6.5, and the Oilers are flirting with being -300 favorites, Bouchard has a great chance of setting up a goal in this one.
Oilers vs Ducks same-game parlay (SGP)
Evan Bouchard Over 0.5 assists
Leon Draisaitl Over 2.5 shots
Oilers moneyline
Leon Draisaitl has been a very consistent shooter of late. He's averaged 3.6 shots on goal per game over the last 10 and 3.4 shots over the last 20. He also recorded multiple shots in all but one of those games, giving himself a fighting chance to clear each time out.
His shooting spike should continue against a Ducks team that allows 32.3 shots per game, second-most in the NHL.
The Ducks cannot defend a lick at 5v5 and they also take a lot of penalties. There should be plenty of power play opportunities for an Oilers unit that ranks third in shot-generation over the last 10 games, with Draisaitl leading the team in shots and attempts on the man advantage in that time.
Draisaitl has feasted on the Ducks in the past, clearing 2.5 shots in nine of his last 11 while averaging 4.0 per game.
Edmonton owns an 8-1-1 record across their last 10 games and they are playing good hockey across all situations. I’m expecting a quick bounce back vs. a Ducks squad that sits tied for 29th in wins.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Oilers vs Ducks odds
Oilers vs Ducks live odds
Oilers vs Ducks opening odds
- Puck line: Edmonton -1.5 (-107) | Anaheim +1.5 (-107)
- Moneyline: Edmonton -274 | Anaheim +233
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-104) | Under 6.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of BET99
Oilers vs Ducks trend
Bouchard has assists in four straight games against Anaheim. Find more NHL betting trends for Oilers vs. Ducks.
How to watch Oilers vs Ducks
| Location: | Honda Center, Anaheim, CA |
| Date: | Sunday, 12-29-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 4:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet |
Oilers vs Ducks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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