Predictions, Odds & Trends for Saturday Night Hockey Matchup between the Oilers and Canucks on January 18th

• The Edmonton Oilers visit the Vancouver Canucks in a Pacific Division tilt on Saturday night
• I’ve got your Oilers vs Canucks prediction and best bets for Saturday, January 18, 2025
• Check out the Oilers vs Canucks odds, picks, and betting preview for tonight’s Hockey Night in Canada matchup

The Edmonton Oilers (29-13-3) head to Vancouver to battle the slumping Canucks (19-15-10) in a key Pacific Division contest on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Puck drop from Rogers Arena is scheduled for 10:00 PM EST, with the game broadcast on CBC and Sportsnet.

Edmonton enters as -170 road favorites in the Oilers vs Canucks odds, with the total set at 6 goals shaded to the under. Can Connor McDavid and the Oilers keep sizzling, or will the Canucks rise to the occasion at home?

Keep reading for my Oilers vs Canucks prediction.

Oilers vs Canucks Prediction

I’m rolling with the Oilers on the regulation line in this one. Edmonton has been unstoppable lately, riding a four-game heater into this Pacific Division clash. The Oil are firing on all cylinders and simply have too much firepower for the reeling Canucks.

The Oilers boast the NHL’s 6th ranked offense, averaging a healthy 3.31 goals per game. That high-flying attack is led by the dynamic duo of Connor McDavid (64 points) and Leon Draisaitl (31 goals). McDavid has owned the Canucks in his career, racking up 67 points in 41 games.

https://twitter.com/NHL/status/1615842174952071168

Meanwhile, the Canucks have struggled mightily to keep the puck out of their net. Vancouver surrenders 3.18 goals per game (24th) and just got torched for 11 goals in losses to Winnipeg and LA. After a solid start, goalie Thatcher Demko has fallen on hard times with a 3.39 GAA and .872 SV%.

The Oilers also have a distinct special teams advantage in this matchup. Edmonton clicks at a 24.1% clip on the power play (8th) compared to just 21% for the Canucks (15th). In a tight-checking affair, that could easily be the difference.

I know the Canucks are desperate for a win to keep their fading playoff hopes alive, but I just don’t see them solving the Oilers. Edmonton is too deep, too talented, and has absolutely dominated this head-to-head lately, including a 7-3 rout in November. Lay the regulation line with the Oil.

Oilers vs Canucks Pick:

• Oilers Regulation Line (-110)

Oilers vs Canucks Odds

The Oilers are solid -170 moneyline favorites, meaning you’d need to risk $170 to win $100 on an Edmonton victory. Vancouver comes back at +140 – a $100 bet would return $140 if the Canucks pull off the upset.

If you like Edmonton to win convincingly, the -1.5 puck line (+154) offers some value. The Oilers are certainly capable of winning by multiple goals, as evidenced by their 7-3 blowout win in the last meeting. The Canucks +1.5 (-192) is a safer play if you see a one-goal game.

With two below-average defenses and questionable goaltending situations, the total of 6 feels a tad low, even with the under juiced to -115. The over has cashed in five straight meetings in Vancouver, so don’t be afraid to play a 7-goal game if that’s what your NHL betting research points to.

Odds courtesy of Bet365 Sportsbook as of January 18, 2025.

Oilers vs Canucks Betting Trends

When it comes to NHL betting trends, the Oilers have had their way with the Canucks lately, especially in Vancouver. Check out these eye-popping numbers:

• Edmonton is 4-0 in their last four road games
• The Oilers are 10-2 in their last 12 games after allowing 5+ goals their previous game
• Edmonton has won five straight at Rogers Arena, with the over cashing in all five
• The over is 4-1 in the Oilers’ last five overall
• The over is 3-2 in the Canucks’ last five games

The Oilers have won four straight and 8 of 9 overall. Connor McDavid has caught fire with 9 points in his last 5 games and always gets up to play the Canucks. Look for that to continue Saturday night.

Vancouver just hasn’t been able to get any traction, losing 6 of 7 and going 2-5-3 in their last 10. The Canucks rank bottom 10 in several key advanced metrics like expected goals and high-danger chances at 5v5. Unless Demko regains his form, those underlying issues could sink them.

My Oilers vs Canucks prediction is Edmonton -110 on the regulation line. I expect McDavid and Draisaitl to lead the charge in a convincing Oilers win. Alberta residents can bet it now at Bet99 Alberta, where new users can claim a $1,500 First Bet Encore for Oilers vs Canucks.

The Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks are set to face off in an exciting Saturday night hockey matchup on January 18th. Both teams have been playing well this season, making this game one to watch for fans of both teams.

The Oilers currently sit in second place in the Pacific Division with a record of 24-18-5, while the Canucks are in fourth place with a record of 23-17-6. Both teams have been playing solid hockey as of late, with the Oilers winning four of their last five games and the Canucks winning three of their last five.

In terms of predictions for this game, it’s expected to be a close matchup between two evenly matched teams. The Oilers have a slight edge in terms of offensive firepower, with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the way for Edmonton. However, the Canucks have been getting strong performances from players like Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller, who have been key contributors to Vancouver’s success this season.

In terms of odds, the Oilers are currently favored to win this game, with most sportsbooks giving them a slight edge over the Canucks. However, anything can happen in hockey, and the Canucks have shown that they are capable of pulling off upsets against top teams.

In terms of trends to watch for in this game, one key factor will be special teams play. Both teams have strong power play units, so whichever team can capitalize on their opportunities with the man advantage could have a significant impact on the outcome of the game.

Overall, this Saturday night matchup between the Oilers and Canucks is shaping up to be an exciting game between two competitive teams. Fans can expect a fast-paced and high-scoring affair, with both teams looking to secure a crucial win as they jockey for playoff positioning in the Western Conference.