NHL
SPEC
2026-01-12 · Morning Edition
WIN
Oilers vs. Blackhawks
Oilers Moneyline
ANALYSIS
Edmonton’s league-best 56.4% xGF% meets a Chicago squad currently battling a locker room illness that has sidelined their top two goaltenders, forcing rookie Drew Commesso into a daunting matchup against the NHL's most efficient power play (33.9%). With Connor McDavid on a career-high 18-game point streak and Leon Draisaitl coming off a dominant two-goal performance, we expect the Oilers’ elite shot creation to overwhelm a Blackhawks defense that ranks 31st in High-Danger Chances allowed. Our pick leverages this significant talent gap and Chicago’s depleted depth in a clear 'bounce-back' spot for Edmonton.
Key Data
xGF%: 56.4%, Blackhawks HDCA Rank: 31st
OUTCOME
Oilers 4 - Blackhawks 1
Edmonton's special teams proved decisive as Evan Bouchard recorded 2 goals and an assist. Chicago's inability to clear the defensive zone under the Oilers' forecheck led to a 34-30 shots-on-goal disparity and constant pressure that the Blackhawks' goaltending could not withstand.
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Full analysis and discussion of this pick in the 2026-01-12 morning edition.