The Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins meet for the first time since swapping goalies last week, and the two teams are also trending in opposite directions ahead of this showdown at PPG Paints Arena on Tuesday, December 16.
My top Oilers vs. Penguins predictions and NHL picks are calling for Edmonton and superstar Connor McDavid to take over this matchup tonight.
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Oilers vs Penguins prediction
Oilers vs Penguins best bet: Oilers moneyline (-140)
The Edmonton Oilers have begun flipping the script with a 6-3-1 run, ranking sixth in goals percentage and seventh in expected goals percentage at 5-on-5, and owning the third-highest power-play percentage during the stretch.
Edmonton is also in a ripe rebound spot after losing 4-1 on the second leg of a back-to-back road game to the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday.
Superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have played a leading role in the turnaround with a combined 12 goals and 36 points during the 10-game stretch, and McDavid’s 20 points pace the NHL during the stretch.
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The Pittsburgh Penguins have also dropped five straight, and after a solid start to the season, the recent slump aligns with the injury to star center Evgeni Malkin (upper body).
Depth isn’t the Pens’ calling card, and I expect the McDavid-Draisaitl combo will give Pittsburgh matchup nightmares throughout tonight’s bout.
I also have more confidence in the Edmonton lineup capitalizing on the familiarity of facing former goalie Stuart Skinner than I do in Pittsburgh bullying Tristan Jarry in the blue paint. Plus, Jarry backstopped the Oilers to a convincing 6-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs in his Edmonton debut.
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Oilers vs Penguins same-game parlay
McDavid’s heater actually dates back further than the highlighted 10-game surge, with the superstar posting multiple points in 13 of his past 21 games. His 38 points during the run are tied for the NHL lead, and the Penguins have also allowed a healthy 4.0 goals per game and the seventh-most expected goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five since Malkin went down.
It’s been a similar story with McDavid’s shot volume throughout the season. He’s recorded three or more shots in 21 of 33 games to rank in the 97th percentile of NHL forwards in shots on goal.
Oilers vs Penguins SGP
Connor McDavid Over 1.5 points
Connor McDavid Over 2.5 shots on goal
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Oilers vs Penguins odds
Moneyline: Oilers -140 | Penguins +120
Puck Line: Oilers -1.5 (+165) | Penguins +1.5 (-200)
Over/Under: Over 6.5 (-105) | Under 6.5 (-115)
Oilers vs Penguins trend
The Pittsburgh Penguins have only won 35 of their last 81 games (-7.00 Units / -8% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Oilers vs. Penguins.
How to watch Oilers vs Penguins
Location
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
Date
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Puck drop
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
TNT
Oilers vs Penguins latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here