The All-Star Break has come and gone, and the Detroit Red Wings are looking to get underway with the second half of the year. The Dylan Larkin saga continues as the team’s captain has yet to get a deal done with the Red Wings, and the trade rumors have started.
Larkin had an excellent first half with the Detroit Red Wings and is looking to carry that into the second half. Hopefully, trade rumors and the off-ice distractions with this extension drama do not stand in his way.
The Red Wings are slated to open things up against the Edmonton Oilers as the second half gets underway. It’s a match-up on home ice and gives the Red Wings a chance to correct the course on home ice.
However, the Red Wings have a tall task as they will have to take on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl with the Oilers in town. The team’s lack of defense has been challenging, but the Red Wings continue to fight.
Detroit Red Wings game information and prediction vs. Oilers
Things could get rough in a game against two of the game’s top offensive talents overall. The Red Wings had a nice break and are well-rested, but trying to limit McDavid is nearly impossible with the skillset he brings to the table.
For the Red Wings, it is going to require playing strong hockey defensively and forcing the Oilers to the outside. Ville Husso is in net once again, as has been the case most nights in 2022-23. After a nice break, he should be at 100%, but he’ll have a tough night ahead of him facing the Oilers’ offense.
If the Red Wings’ offense comes out firing and can score, they could be able to stay in the game, but the Oilers’ offense is going to be tough to contend with.
Game: Detroit Red Wings (21-19-8) v.s. Edmonton Oilers (28-18-4)
When: Tuesday, February 7th
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Where: Little Caesars Arena
Where to Watch: Bally Sports Detroit/ESPN+/Hulu
Odds: The Edmonton Oilers are the favorite on the Moneyline with a -165 payout. Detroit has a +140 payout on the Moneyline while being the favorite on the Puck Line. You can take the Red Wings at +1.5 for a -175 payout on the Puck Line. Edmonton has a +150 payout at -1.5 on the Puck Line. The over/under is set at 6.5, with the over being the favorite with a -125 payout. The under has a +105 payout.
Prediction: As mentioned already, the Red Wings will be forced to play a well-rounded game if they want to have success coming out of the break. Husso is in net and will have to make some tough stops against an Oilers offense that will not quit. Draisaitl and McDavid are going to make for a challenging first game back.
For that reason, I think the Red Wings will start the second half with a loss. I like the over and Edmonton on the Puck Line. It seems like a game where the pure talent of McDavid and Draisaitl will be a problem for the Red Wings.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.