Everywhere you look in the NHL standings, there are battles going on that just go to show how exciting this league really is. There are a ton of teams still in the hunt for a playoff spot as we head into the final few weeks of the season, and it is the Western Conference that is delivering one of the most intriguing races. That can be found in the Wild Card, where the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche are neck and neck in their race to the playoff finish line. It is the Wild who hold a slight edge at the moment, but they know full well that their situation could quickly change with a couple of losses. They need to take advantage of the teams that are basically out of the playoff picture altogether, and they will have a chance to do that when the Edmonton Oilers head into town on Thursday night. You can keep up to date with all the latest odds on this on by visiting the NHL online betting page.

Edmonton Oilers vs Minnesota Wild Pro Hockey Lines Analysis

When: Thursday, March 10 at 8 PM EST Where: Xcel Energy Center, Minnesota TV: RSNW and FSN Radio: CHED and KFXN NHL Odds: TBA  

Why bet on the Edmonton Oilers

This is a season where you have to wonder what might have been for the Edmonton Oilers (26-36-7). They were just beginning to see glimpses of brilliance from rookie sensation Connor McDavid when he went down with a broken collarbone that kept him out of the line-up for months. He is back in the saddle now, but his return has come a little too late to save the season for the Oilers. It has been a good stretch of form for the Oilers of late, though, as they come into this one having gone 4-2-0 in their last 6 games. They look to be in tough here, as this is a Minnesota Wild team that they have already lost twice to this season. The Oilers are averaging 2.4 GPG, and are giving up 2.9 GPG.

Why bet on the Minnesota Wild

The Wild (31-26-10) are well aware that every one of their remaining games now has a high level of importance, which would serve them well if they were able to win out and make it into the playoffs. They are going well right now, and are managing to stay ahead of the Colorado Avalanche in the race for the final Wild Card spot. The Wild are 6-4-0 in their last 10, and just had a 4-game winning streak snapped by the St. Louis Blues. Minnesota have put together a 17-12-4 record on home ice this season, and have won each of their last 2 games against the Oilers. The Wild are averaging 2.6 GPG, and are giving up 2.5 GPG.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

While the Wild have the upper hand on the Oilers this season, each of the 3 games have been close. I’m not so sure that this one will follow that trend, as I like Minnesota to win quite comfortably.

Edmonton Oilers 1 Minnesota Wild 4