Raleigh, NC – The Edmonton Oilers are set to face off against the Carolina Hurricanes tonight at the Lenovo Center, marking a crucial game in their ongoing seven-game road trip. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with broadcasts available on FDSNSO and SNW.
Oilers' Lineup Changes
The Oilers (8-7-4) are anticipating a significant boost with the return of Zach Hyman. Hyman has been cleared to play after recovering from a fractured wrist sustained during the Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars on May 27. After being activated off the injured reserve, Hyman is expected to slot directly into the top line alongside Connor McDavid and Matt Savoie. To make room for Hyman, the Oilers have made a few roster adjustments, including loaning forward Isaac Howard to Bakersfield of the American Hockey League and placing defenseman Troy Stecher on waivers.
The projected Oilers lineup is as follows:
- Forwards: Matt Savoie — Connor McDavid — Zach Hyman, Vasily Podkolzin — Leon Draisaitl — Jack Roslovic, Andrew Mangiapane — Adam Henrique — Trent Frederic, Mattias Janmark — Noah Philp — Curtis Lazar.
- Defense: Mattias Ekholm — Evan Bouchard, Darnell Nurse — Jake Walman, Brett Kulak — Alec Regula.
- Goaltenders: Stuart Skinner, Calvin Pickard.
Ty Emberson and David Tomasek are expected to be scratched. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (undisclosed) and Kasperi Kapanen (knee) remain injured.
Hurricanes' Outlook
The Hurricanes (12-5-0) are coming off a 4-3 overtime victory against the Vancouver Canucks. However, they might be without key forwards Seth Jarvis and Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who both sustained injuries in the previous game. Jarvis left the game early after being struck in the face by a stick, while Kotkaniemi missed the third period due to a leg injury.
The projected Hurricanes lineup is as follows:
- Forwards: Andrei Svechnikov — Sebastian Aho — Seth Jarvis, Nikolaj Ehlers — Logan Stankoven — Jackson Blake, William Carrier — Jordan Staal — Jordan Martinook, Taylor Hall — Jesperi Kotkaniemi — Eric Robinson.
- Defense: Shayne Gostisbehere — Sean Walker, K'Andre Miller — Joel Nystrom, Alexander Nikishin — Mike Reilly.
- Goaltenders: Frederik Andersen, Brandon Bussi.
Mark Jankowski, Gavin Bayreuther, and Pyotr Kochetkov are expected to be scratched. Jalen Chatfield (upper body), Jaccob Slavin (lower body), and Charles-Alexis Legault (hand) are currently injured.
Odds and Predictions
The game is considered a tight matchup, with neither team heavily favored. The Hurricanes are slightly favored to win with a -115 moneyline, while the Oilers have a -104 moneyline. The over/under is set at 6.5 goals.
Additional betting tips:
- Over/under: Take the over on 6.5 goals (+106)
- Moneyline: Take Hurricanes to win (-115)
- Spread: Take Hurricanes to cover the -1.5 spread (+210)
