Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon might be playing on the same line at the 4 Nations face-off in a few weeks. On Friday, they’re opponents as the Edmonton Oilers host the Colorado Avalanche.
The pregame narrative: Kris Knoblauch shook up Edmonton’s top line on Wednesday, slotting Viktor Arvidsson alongside McDavid and Zach Hyman. I like Arvidsson to record a point and am also backing MacKinnon to clear his shot total.
Check out my Avalanche vs. Oilers props for Feb. 7.
Avalanche vs. Oilers props
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Best bet: Arvidsson to record a point (+115)
This bet isn’t about Arvidsson, it’s about McDavid.
Anything Edmonton’s captain touches turns to gold. Don’t believe me? Just ask Hyman.
The winger never scored more than 41 points across six seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs and is coming off a year where he scored 54 goals — and had 77 points — while playing on the Oilers’ top line.
Hyman has been in a bit of a rut this year but is still riding shotgun with McDavid. Now, Arvidsson is there too.
The Swede immediately cashed in on his opportunity by scoring a goal in a 4-3 win over the Chicago Blackhawks.
This is what Knoblauch had to say:
“I think (Arvidsson) has elevated his game when we moved him to the left side … when you’re playing your off-wing you got different options. It’s not the best fit for every player, but it seems like it’s been a good look for him right now.”
The Avalanche have been on a great defensive run, allowing just 1.60 goals per game in their last five. However, that’s largely been due to the lights-out play of Mackenzie Blackwood, who started last night.
Rookie netminder Trent Miner is projected to make his second start after allowing three goals to the Blackhawks in his NHL debut on Jan. 8.
Key stat: McDavid has generated a 60.41% Corsi rate at 5-on-5 this season. That’s the seventh-best mark among all forwards with more than 100 minutes of ice time, per Natural Stat Trick.
Quick pick
MacKinnon over 3.5 shots (-134): Edmonton doesn’t give up much defensively, allowing the third-fewest chances (53.75) and sixth-fewest shots (26.41) per 60.
But MacKinnon is a special player and I expect a special performance.
Colorado’s top dog is leading the league in points (83) and is third in shots (220). He’s averaging 3.9 shots a night and has cleared this mark in seven of his last nine games.
MacKinnon is 1-1 against this line when facing the Oilers this season, logging seven shots in the first meeting and three in the second (while scoring two goals).
Picks made at 11:00 a.m. ET on 02/07/2025.
Avery joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2022 before stepping into a full-time role soon after. He loves betting on and analyzing golf — mainly because it’s easier than actually playing — but is a fan of all sports, from the NFL to the UFC.