Utah Mammoth vs Edmonton Oilers preview: 37.5% power play gives Utah the edge — our tips

Utah Mammoth host the Edmonton Oilers at Delta Center on Sunday, 18 October at 1:00 pm AEDT in a high-stakes Western Conference showdown. Utah currently sit 3rd on the NHL ladder with a 6-2-0 record and 12 points, while Edmonton hold 6th spot with a 5-1-1 record and 11 points. If you are hunting for sharp nhl picks this weekend, this matchup jumps off the page.

Utah head into this clash full of momentum, having won four of their last five starts overall. Their most recent start came on Friday, 16 October, when they secured a 4-2 away victory against these very same Edmonton Oilers. Edmonton had won three straight games prior to that defeat and will be desperate to strike back on Utah's home ice.

Who Will Win? Utah Rate a Real Chance to Double Up

The numbers say Utah hold a distinct edge heading into Sunday's clash. Utah boast a dynamic 37.5% power play conversion rate this season, supported by a dominant 56.9% Corsi percentage. Their top point-scorers — Nick Schmaltz (6G, 5A), Clayton Keller (3G, 8A), and Dylan Guenther (4G, 5A) — have powered an attack averaging 3.88 goals per game across the season and 3.8 goals per game over their last five overall starts.

Edmonton bring plenty of elite attacking talent into the contest, averaging 4.43 goals per game this season. Connor McDavid (4G, 14A), Evan Bouchard (6G, 9A), and Leon Draisaitl (5G, 7A) give the Oilers lethal scoring power. However, Edmonton's penalty kill sits at 68.18%, which presents a major vulnerability against Utah's special teams. Utah sit as head-to-head favourites on the board, and coming off a convincing 4-2 win in Edmonton, they get a big tick to win again at Delta Center.

Puck Line Analysis

On the Puck Line market, Utah lay -1.5 goals while Edmonton receive a +1.5 goal start. Utah have demonstrated clear winning margin power recently, averaging a 2-goal win margin across their last five overall starts, which aligns with their recent two-goal triumph over Edmonton.

Edmonton, however, have been largely reliable at keeping games within reach. Before their last-start loss, Edmonton posted wins by margins of 3, 2, and 3 goals, maintaining a tight 2.0 goals against per game average over their past four starts. Taking Edmonton with the +1.5 start offers solid insurance in what shapes as a tight division battle.

Total Goals: Over or Under 6.5?

The Total Goals line is set at 6.5 goals. Both teams feature top-tier scoring records, with Edmonton averaging 4.43 goals per game and Utah averaging 3.88 goals per game across the season.

In their recent head-to-head meeting on 16 October, the teams combined for 6 goals in a 4-2 Utah win. Utah's last five overall starts have produced an average of 3.8 goals scored and 3.2 goals conceded. With both power-play units capable of striking quickly, backing Over 6.5 goals rates a real chance.