We have spoken before about the elements that go into creating a successful playoff team. Goal tending is huge, as is toughness and the ability to put the puck in the net, sprinkled with a little dose of luck. It also helps to have playoff experience, which is something that this version of the Edmonton Oilers are sorely lacking.
There is no denying that they are one of the most exciting young teams in the league, but this is a group of guys that have not seen any real playoff action, and you get the sense that it caught up with them a little in Game 1. They looked to be cruising, building up a 2-goal lead over the Sharks, but one they allowed the first goal, you could see them start to look a little shaky. The Sharks went on to complete the comeback, winning 3-2 in OT and securing that all-important road split. If they can also beat the NHL betting predictions and win Game 2, they could really put the young Oilers under pressure.
San Jose Sharks at Edmonton Oilers Game 2 Odds & Info
When: Friday, April 14 at 10:30 PM EST Where: Rogers Place, Edmonton TV: NBCSN Radio: 630 CHED Live Stream: NBC Sports Live NHL Odds: Edmonton Oilers -1½+215Why bet on the San Jose Sharks
The win by the Sharks in Game 1 was a good deal more impressive than the score might suggest. They were hammered by early pressure from an Oilers team that was obviously excited about their first playoff game in years, but once the defense settled in, the Sharks were able to turn the game. It was a stifling performance from San Jose, as they held Edmonton to just 19 total shots. The Sharks also turned up the heat on offense, generating 44 shots and forcing the Oilers into turnover mistakes that constantly put them in tough situations. The Sharks were a whole lot better at home than they were on the road during the regular season, so stealing home ice advantage in this series is huge.Why bet on the Edmonton Oilers
There will be no reason to panic in Edmonton just yet, as things may start to settle down a little now that the first playoff game is out the way. The Oilers started Game 1 at a pace that was always going to be impossible to maintain, and you have to feel that they will have learned from that, and will come out a little more relaxed in Game 2. The Oilers were a solid 25-12-4 at home this season, so there is certainly reason to believe that they are not out of this series just because they lost Game 1. This is a team that can score at will, and they are going to need that offensive output to break down a very stubborn Sharks defense.Betting Trends
- San Jose is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games
- San Jose is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
- Edmonton is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games at home
- Edmonton is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
