Canucks vs. Oilers Western Conference semifinals prediction: NHL playoffs Game 7 odds, pick, best bets

Game 7 in Canada should be one of the more fiercely contested matchups we have seen in the NHL playoffs in some time.

It will be the 15th Game 7 between two Canadian teams and the first since 2021, when the Oilers faced the Maple Leafs.

This series has featured highly entertaining games, with the first five games each being decided by one goal.

The Oilers may have figured some things out, though, in their game plan for Game 6, having won, 5-1, in an impressive showing that featured the return of starting goaltender Stuart Skinner.

Goalie Calvin Pickard took a seat going into Game 6, and the Oilers responded with a big-time performance in an elimination game.

Oddsmakers have reacted as well, locking the Oilers in as -150 favorites with Skinner expected to start in Game 7.

Oilers vs. Canucks Game 7 prediction

(9 p.m. ET, ESPN)

The Oilers going back to Skinner is the obvious storyline entering Game 7.

But the Canucks still can’t be overlooked here thanks to solid depth and line play all season long.

Betting on the NHL?

Vancouver has won big in the 5-on-5, with Pius Suter, J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser matching up directly with stars Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman. 

Through 11 postseason games, the Canucks trio has scored five goals against four allowed and hold a 65.6 percent expected goal share, according to Natural Stat Trick — though Vancouver will have to figure out how to do it without Boeser, sidelined for at least Game 7 with a blood clotting issue.

Edmonton’s superstar-laden lineup seemed to be on the ropes going into Game 6, but McDavid’s strong showing has poured some cold water on that.

Goaltender Arturs Silovs is the X-factor for the Canucks, but there’s simply not enough there for a bet on the underdog, especially with Boeser out.

We’re taking the road favorite in what is expected to be a raucous environment in Vancouver.

PICK: Oilers moneyline (-160, BetMGM)