The case for watchingwhat the numbers say before the start
The bookmakers make Oilers about 66% to win, counting games settled after regulation. 74% of the NHL games we have scored this season were closer on paper.
The over/under line is 6.5 goals, a typical NHL line.
Oilers are 2nd and Flames 28th in the league-wide standings.
By rating, Oilers are the stronger side, narrowly.
Battle of Alberta: a marquee rivalry in our table, worth 10 points of the score.
Worth the replay so far this season: Oilers 3 of 10 games, Flames 2 of 9.
Puck drop: Thu 02:30 in Finland, Thu 01:30 in Sweden and Germany, Thu 00:30 in the UK, Wed 20:30 in New York.