NHL best bets: Canucks vs. Oilers Game 3 odds, preview, prediction for Sun. 5/12

Canucks vs. Oilers Odds

Sunday, May 12, 9:30 p.m. ET, TBS & truTV

Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute NHL odds here.

Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks have shown a decent offensive capability in the playoffs, maintaining their regular season's xG% ranking at seventh, which reflects their ability to create quality scoring chances. Despite a drop in their power play effectiveness, landing 12th among 16 playoff teams, their overall offensive metrics remain solid. They have moved up in expected goals for, ranking ninth in the playoffs, which suggests they are converting chances at a slightly better rate than during the regular season.

Defensively, the Canucks have tightened up significantly in the playoffs. They improved their ranking in expected goals against from the regular season to the playoffs, demonstrating a more robust defensive performance. Moreover, their management of high-danger chances has been notably better, moving from 18th in the regular season to fourth in the playoffs, which has been crucial in keeping the games close.

Starting goaltender Casey DeSmith has also held his own in net while Thatcher Demko has been out which has provided Vancouver with a solid resilience while Demko is healing.

Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers have had a stellar offensive performance throughout the regular season, leading in metrics like Corsi % and xG%. However, they've seen a slight downturn in the playoffs, with their Corsi % dropping to tenth out of 16 teams.

Despite this, they maintain the top spot in xG% and high danger chances, underlining their continued threat in creating and capitalizing on opportunities, especially with the Stanley Cup's best power play performance in the postseason.

On the defensive end, Edmonton has also improved in the playoffs, ranking third in expected goals against, a significant jump from their regular-season performance. Their ability to limit high-danger chances remains consistent, ranking fifth in the postseason, which has been a key factor in their playoff resilience. Furthermore, their penalty killing has been perfect, allowing a single shorthanded goal in seven games, highlighting their effectiveness under pressure.

Canucks vs. Oilers

Betting Pick & Prediction

Considering the statistics and the dynamics of the series, the Oilers -1.5 puckline at +130 odds emerges as a compelling bet for this game. Edmonton's offensive depth and improved defensive play in the playoffs make them a strong candidate to potentially win by multiple goals, especially on home ice. The Canucks have improved defensively but may struggle to contain the Oilers' top-ranked power play.

Both teams have shown considerable defensive fortitude in the playoffs, but with high stakes in Game 3, an aggressive game plan by Edmonton could unfold. With both goalies' recent form and the strategic approaches likely to be employed in a crucial playoff matchup, aiming to capitalize on plus value on an expected empty net goal at the end of the game provides the best value rather than taking a -200 juiced moneyline on Edmonton.

Pick: Oilers -1.5 (+130)