Oilers vs. Ducks Prediction & Odds: Game 3 NHL Picks Today (April 24)

The Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks square off at Honda Center for tonight's Game 3 (10 p.m. ET, TNT), and I'm backing the visitors in my Oilers vs. Ducks prediction to retake the series lead, thanks to a resurgent and agitated Connor McDavid. 

The Oilers are the -130 betting favorite to secure the victory, and I'm featuring No. 97 for my player prop, expecting a multi-point outing from the captain. 

🏒 Oilers vs. Ducks picks & odds today: April 24

See all of our experts' NHL picks based on the latest NHL odds.

Total wagered: 2.5 units | Max profit: 2.04 units

🏆 Who will win Oilers vs. Ducks?

While the Oilers won't be happy with a home split, it's not as bad as it appears, particular considering that McDavid didn't register a single point. I'm expecting big things from No. 97, especially after his giveaway cost the team a critical goal in Game 2.  

With McDavid on a mission and Leon Draisaitl already hitting his stride, the Oilers will find a way to outscore the Ducks in a pivotal swing game and win 4-3. 

Score prediction: Oilers 4, Ducks 3

💰 Oilers vs. Ducks prediction & best bet

Oilers ML (-130)

Lukas Dostal has allowed -1.7 goals saved above expected, the fourth-worst in the playoffs. He also struggled down the stretch.

While Connor Ingram's performances haven't been any better, allowing -1.0 goals saved above expected, McDavid is overdue (at least in McDavid terms) for an explosive outing. Their power play will also click at some point, going 0-for-6 thus far despite having 2 expected goals.

They can get down to business on the road without the added pressure. The Ducks, meanwhile, are punching above their weight with the man advantage, scoring 3 on 2 expected goals. The scale will balance in Game 3.  

🔥 Best Oilers vs. Ducks player prop bet

Connor McDavid Over 1.5 points (-118)

McDavid hasn't scored a point in 3 playoff games, his longest drought.

And people are acting as if it's an international incident. We're talking about a player with the third-most playoff points per contest (1.53), trailing only Mario Lemieux (1.6) and Wayne Gretzky (1.8). 

I expect No. 97 to crank it into demigod mode, tossing the team on his shoulders as he's done countless times in the past. He will be even more motivated, having cost the Oilers a crucial goal in Game 2 because of a hapless giveaway. 

Draisaitl is already up to speed, and this will be the game that McDavid joins him. Even if the Oilers only score a few goals, McDavid should be the focal point. 

🚀 Oilers vs. Ducks same-game parlay

It's not a must-win game, but the Oilers will cut out some of the costly mistakes in this one. McDavid is due for a big game, and Cutter Gauthier enjoyed a sublime start to his playoff career, notching 3 points in Games 1 and 2 in Edmonton. 

💵 My betting record for NHL picks

All NHL picks, including SGPs, have been tracked since March 1.

💡 How I'm betting Oilers vs. Ducks

Follow all of our NHL analysis and expert predictions this season.

These teams averaged 9 goals in their previous 5 meetings. However, the total is, as expected, at the higher point of 7. The Oilers were better defensively down the stretch, so they can play that way. That's how they advanced to the final in the previous two seasons. 

I'm also expecting them to be more detail-oriented in Game 3 while cutting down some inexplicable errors. My intuition says 4-2 Edmonton on an empty-net goal, but it hasn't been good enough defensively to back that confidently. 

I feel good about an Oilers win, though, and for McDavid to have a productive outing.  

📊 Live Oilers vs. Ducks odds: Game 3

📈 Oilers vs. Ducks betting trends

🚑 Oilers vs. Ducks injuries

📺 How to watch Oilers vs. Ducks Game 3

• Date: Friday, April 24
• Puck drop: 10 p.m. ET
• Location: Honda Center (Anaheim, Calif.)
• TV: TNT
• Streaming: HBO MAX