Oilers vs. Bruins Odds, Picks, Predictions: Potential Stanley Cup Preview in Boston

Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers visit David Pastrnak and the Boston Bruins in a rematch of Boston's hard-fought 3-2 win at Edmonton on Feb. 27. Here's sports betting analyst Scott Cullen's top NHL pick based on the best NHL odds.

Fans could be in for a Stanley Cup final preview when the puck drops on Thursday's matchup between the Oilers and Bruins.

A Boston-Edmonton championship matchup is listed at +1900 at as of Thursday, tied with several others as the second-most likely matchup behind Bruins-Colorado Avalanche (+1100).

Those are lofty expectations for an Edmonton team that is 6-4-4 in 14 games over the past month and sits in a wild card playoff spot with 78 points in 65 games.

The Bruins have been an unstoppable force all season, and come into this one having won 10 straight. With 103 points in 62 games, Boston is 11 points clear of No. 2 Carolina for top spot in the overall standings.

Here is our best Oilers vs. Bruins NHL pick (odds via ; pick confidence is based on a 1-to-5-star scale).

Check out our NHL best bets for Thursday.

Oilers vs. Bruins pick

David Pastrnak anytime goal (+106 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The top two goal scorers in the NHL meet in this one, making it the marquee matchup on Thursday's NHL calendar.

McDavid leads the Rocket Richard Trophy race with 54 goals, and is obviously a threat to score in any game – and any arena. McDavid has 25 goals in 32 road games, with at least one marker in 19 of those contests.

The trouble is, McDavid is facing the Bruins – a team that boasts a 1.78 goals against average at TD Garden. That is more than a half goal per game better than any other team in the league on home ice – and is a major reason why the Bruins are 26-2-3 in friendly confines.

There's also the matter of the payout on a McDavid anytime goal. While FanDuel's -104 odds are certainly more bettor-friendly than the majority of matchups, I just don't think this is a good enough number against a historically great Boston defense.

By switching the matchup and going instead with Pastrnak against the Oilers, we get better odds – and a better matchup, too.

Pastrnak has racked up 44 goals, including 23 goals in 31 home games (and at least one goal in 19 of those outings). The biggest difference: Pastrnak is matched up against an Oilers team that ranks 20th with a 3.35 goals against average on the road. 

Both snipers have a good chance to score, but Pastrnak represents a better value play here against a far weaker defensive opponent.

Check out our latest Hart Trophy odds.

Oilers vs. Bruins best odds

FanDuel (+106) 

Three of the five best sportsbooks are carrying Pastrnak anytime goal odds of -120. This emphasizes how great the FanDuel number is – and with my Pastrnak goal price also set at -120, the FD odds are simply too good to pass up.

Check out our Rocket Richard Trophy odds and Norris Trophy odds.

Oilers vs. Bruins odds

Check out our Calder Trophy odds.

Oilers vs. Bruins odds analysis

opened with the Bruins as favorites at -182, compared to the Oilers at +150. 

Despite 72% of the consensus moneyline wagers coming in on Boston, that line has moved toward Edmonton. The Bruins are now favored at -164 while the Oilers are at +136.

The total opened at 6.5, with opening odds at -120 for the Over and -102 for the Under. With 62% of the money coming in for the Over, there has been minor movement. The Over is now -122 with the Under coming in at even money. 

Oilers vs. Bruins game info

• Date: Thursday, March 9, 7:30 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN+, Hulu, Sportsnet, TVAS
• Location: TD Garden, Boston, MA

Oilers-Bruins pick made 3/9/2023 at 1:30 p.m. ET.

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