Jan 6, 2026; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Connor McDavid (97) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Nashville Predators during the first period at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images Yes, we will still have hockey — perhaps an incredibly exciting version as the Olympics begin. But it’s during the day, there’s a bunch of teams in it with no shot and… yada yada yada. Wake me up at the elimination rounds.
But hey, there’s a pretty full schedule tonight, so let’s go. I’m focused on the Battle of Alberta for my NHL picks.
Record: 23–30
Units: –7.22
Oilers at Flames
Oilers ML (-130 DraftKings)
Under 6.5 (-110 DraftKings)
It’s already next year in Calgary as they sit at 22-27-6 after dropping six of their last seven games. The selloff began when they traded star defenseman Rasmus Andersson to San Jose. Nazem Kadri is still here, but he might be the next to go.
They snapped a five-game skid with a 3-2 win over the Sharks, but then gave it right back by losing 4-2 to Toronto on Monday. Blake Coleman remains out with an upper-body injury, leaving them even thinner up front.
Dustin Wolf will likely get the start in net, but he’s been just league average this year (89.8% save percentage, -0.84 GSAA) after an excellent rookie campaign.
And here’s another shocker — they still can’t solve their goaltending issues. They traded for Tristan Jarry, but it’s been the same old story. In seven games since returning from injury on January 13, he has an 86.8% save percentage and a -4.23 GSAA.
There are a couple things working against Edmonton tonight. They’re coming off a back-to-back, and they’ve lost both meetings against the Flames this year — by one goal on December 27 and in a shootout all the way back on Opening Night.
But there’s also a lot in their favor. Namely, they’re the much better team and they employ Connor McDavid. And for what it’s worth, Edmonton won 12 of the last 14 meetings between these two heading into this season.
As for the Under, yes, we’re risking shaky goaltending — but Calgary has the worst offense in the league with just 136 goals (2.47 per game).
