Edmonton Oilers vs Utah Hockey Club Picks and Predictions December 31st 2024

Oilers Aim to Reverse California Disappointment in Return Home vs. Utah HC

The Edmonton Oilers will look to end 2024 on a positive note when they host the Utah Hockey Club on Tuesday night in their second meeting of the season. Both teams are eager to bounce back from recent struggles as they fight for positioning in the Western Conference.

Oilers Seek Stability After California Setbacks

The Oilers return to Edmonton after a disappointing two-game road trip through California, where they earned just one point. A 4-3 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday was followed by a 5-3 defeat to the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday, leaving the team searching for answers.

Despite the losses, Edmonton’s offense remains powered by two red-hot players: Zach Hyman and Leon Draisaitl.

• Hyman, returning from a five-game injury absence in early December, has been on fire, scoring 10 goals and adding three assists in 11 games this month.
• Draisaitl leads the NHL with 26 goals this season and tallied two more against the Ducks, bringing his total to 23 points (nine goals, 14 assists) in his last 11 games.

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Coach Kris Knoblauch is still evaluating his lineup for Tuesday’s game, particularly the status of veteran forward Jeff Skinner, who has struggled with just six goals this season. Skinner was a healthy scratch against Anaheim, and Knoblauch acknowledged the forward’s challenges in regaining his confidence.

“He hasn’t had the confidence with the puck as much as he has in the past,” Knoblauch said. “A lot of it’s just him finding his game and how he usually plays.”

Utah Looking for Road Success After Skid

Utah enters the matchup looking to stop its four-game losing streak, which extended after a 5-2 defeat to the Seattle Kraken on Monday. Despite their recent slump, the club has been strong on the road, boasting an 11-7-2 record away from home compared to just five wins in 16 home games.

Much of Utah’s success on the road can be attributed to goaltender Karel Vejmelka, who made 28 saves against Seattle. The 6-foot-4 Czech netminder has been a bright spot with a .916 save percentage and a 2.40 goals-against average in a challenging season.

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“Huge,” Utah coach Andre Tourigny said of Vejmelka’s impact. “He’s been tuned in and kept us in games and given us a chance to win the game every night.”

Offensively, Utah leans on Dylan Guenther, who leads the team with 16 goals, and Clayton Keller, the team leader in assists (24) and points (37).

Previous Meeting: Oilers Triumph in Salt Lake City

The Oilers claimed a 4-3 overtime victory in their first meeting against Utah on Nov. 29 in Salt Lake City, with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scoring the game-winner. Edmonton will aim to replicate that success on home ice as they try to cement their place in the Pacific Division standings.

What’s Next

After Tuesday’s clash, Utah will continue its road trip with games against the Calgary Flames on Thursday and the Dallas Stars on Saturday. Edmonton, meanwhile, will look to build momentum heading into a pivotal stretch of games in January.