Edmonton Oilers vs St. Louis Blues Picks and Predictions December 7th 2024

Surging Oilers continue critical home stretch vs. Blues

The Edmonton Oilers are in the midst of a pivotal stretch of games at home, and they’re hoping to capitalize on their momentum as they host the resurgent St. Louis Blues on Saturday. With playoff positioning in mind and a chance to solidify their form before the Christmas break, this matchup promises to be an intense battle.

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Edmonton Oilers: Building Momentum at Home

The Oilers kicked off their critical home-heavy schedule with an emphatic 6-3 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday. This victory marked the start of a stretch where eight of nine games will be played at Rogers Place. Though their 6-6-1 home record leaves room for improvement, the team is heating up, winning four of their last five games and racking up 20 goals during that span.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch credits the team’s recent offensive surge to their consistent ability to generate scoring chances.
“Leading into the game, we were No. 2 in expected goals for, and we’ve been pretty much two or three all season long,” Knoblauch explained. “Just this last week or so, we’ve been able to put the pucks in the net. A little bit is about generating chances, but it’s also about having the skill to finish.”

The Oilers’ stars, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, have been at the forefront of this turnaround. Their leadership and offensive firepower are driving Edmonton’s revival, but they aren’t doing it alone.

Zach Hyman’s Impactful Return

After missing five games due to injury, Zach Hyman made a triumphant return against Columbus, scoring two crucial goals. Hyman, who netted an impressive 54 goals last season, had a slow start to the current campaign, managing just three goals in his first 20 games. However, his return appears to be a reset button both for him and the Oilers.

“Being back is the best,” Hyman shared after Thursday’s game. “To get a win and being able to contribute feels good. I think it was a good reset. I obviously didn’t have the greatest start… Eventually, they were going to go in.”

Hyman’s resurgence adds another weapon to the Oilers’ arsenal, just in time for this crucial stretch.

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St. Louis Blues: Rising Under New Leadership

The Blues enter Saturday’s matchup riding high on a 4-0-1 streak under new head coach Jim Montgomery, who took over on Nov. 24. His leadership has rejuvenated the team, fostering a more cohesive and confident style of play.

“We’re giving our best effort every game,” said Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington. “System-wise it’s been a positive change, and [Montgomery] finds a way to get the best out of his guys. It’s fun playing hockey right now.”

The Blues have started their four-game road trip with two impressive wins, including a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory against the Calgary Flames on Thursday. St. Louis forward Robert Thomas, who had a goal and three points in the game, emphasized the team’s resilience.
“We didn’t have it for whatever reason, but we believe we’re a good team, and good teams find ways to do it on the road.”

Return of Holloway and Broberg: A Compelling Subplot

Saturday’s game features the return of two former Oilers, forward Dylan Holloway and defenseman Philip Broberg, who both joined the Blues after Edmonton declined to match their offer sheets. Holloway, on a five-game point streak (four goals, four assists), and Broberg, with 12 points in 15 games this season, are thriving in their new roles.

Holloway acknowledged the unique emotions heading into the game.
“I’ve been thinking about it for a bit. It should be fun,” he said. “It’ll be different playing on the opposite side, but at the same time, it’ll be a fun experience.”

Oilers fans are expected to give Holloway a hostile reception, adding another layer of intensity to the matchup.

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Key Factors to Watch

1. Edmonton’s Offense: Can McDavid, Draisaitl, and Hyman maintain their red-hot form against a Blues team that has tightened defensively under Montgomery?
2. St. Louis’ Resilience: With a perfect start to their road trip, will the Blues continue their streak against a team desperate to establish home dominance?
3. Fan Reactions: The return of Holloway and Broberg will bring added tension. How will these former Oilers handle the spotlight?

Conclusion: A High-Stakes Matchup

With both teams finding their rhythm, Saturday’s game is set to be a thrilling showdown. For the Oilers, it’s a chance to solidify their home advantage and extend their winning streak. For the Blues, it’s another opportunity to prove they’re a team reborn under Montgomery’s leadership.

Fans can expect a mix of skill, strategy, and emotion as these two surging teams collide.