NHL Free Picks & Predictions: Edmonton Oilers @ Chicago Blackhawks

The Oilers are on the road for the fourth game in a row, and will come up against a struggling Blackhawks side at the United Center.

A leaky defense for the Blackhawks, coupled with the great shooters of the Oilers could make for a long night for the homeside in the Windy City.

Will Jonathan Toews break his scoring drought and take his team to glory?

• 01Edmonton Oilers (2.10) vs Chicago Blackhawks (1.70)
• 02Parlay Play: Oilers Win and Game is OVER 6.5 Goals (4.06)
• 03One for Blackhawks fans, Jonathan Toews to score anytime (2.30)
• 04Love the Oilers? Bet Away team to win every period (21.00)

Edmonton Oilers (2.10) vs Chicago Blackhawks (1.70)

The improvements we’ve seen from this Edmonton side in the offseason are really beginning to show as they enter game 6. A commanding start to the season puts the Oilers at 5-0-0 overall.

Their last game saw a confident 4-1 road victory over the Rangers. Out of all the NHL Free Picks we make this week, this may be one of the easier ones.

The Blackhawks are having an unsettled start to the season. They’ve lost all 3 of their opening games, only just missing out in their last against the Jets - agonisingly losing in OT, leaving them 0-2-1.

Expect the Oilers to take the game to the Blackhawks and win.

Parlay Play: Oilers Win and Game is OVER 6.5 Goals (4.06)

Both teams have had a day to rest in order to prepare, so there should be no excuses there. It’s clear the NHL betting odds across all bookmakers favour Edmonton to win, but will this be a high-scoring affair?

The Oilers have hit 4 or more in their last 4 games and have been relatively tight in defense. For the Blackhawks, they’ve managed to net 2 or more in their opening 3, whilst shipping 3 or more goals in every game.

Also for the Blackhawks, they have a lot to prove. They are 3 losses on the trot and will be intent on getting their side back in the win column, so expect them to come out firing.

Take Oilers to win and the match to go OVER 6.5 totals goals.

One for Blackhawks fans, Jonathan Toews to score anytime (2.30)

The 2010 Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Toews is yet to make his mark on the league after 3 games.

This will come as a surprise to fans and coaches alike, as he’s coming off the back of his best offensive season (35 goals & 46 assists).

A lack of chemistry with teammates Alex Debrinkcat and Drake Caggiula is certainly be part of the reason we haven’t seen his name on the scoresheet. But the Blackhawks will get opportunities in this game and we are backing Toews to produce the goods.

Take Jonathan Toews to score at anytime.

Love the Oilers? Bet Away team to win every period (21.00)

With all the talent the Blackhawks have on their roster, you would expect them to have won a game by now. However, some very sloppy performances have led to straight losses since the season began.

Chicago has lost in such unconvincing fashion that coach Jeremy Colliton has decided to shake up the lineup for game 4.

The Oilers four main goalscorers have been rampant, netting 18 between the likes of McDavid, Kassian, Draisaitl and James Neal, who has 7 for the season.

If this isn’t enough to strike fear into the Blackhawks, Edmonton’s second line centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has yet to find his stride.

A confident Oilers fan should take away team to win every period.