The books keep pricing Edmonton like it is last year(s). I'm not saying they won't win. When you have Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, you can always win. But there is no way they should be favored in Toronto. I have been to a Maple Leafs game (back then the fans smoked like chimneys). Just a different vibe, really, really cool. I will go to a Leafs-Habs game in Montreal before I leave this earth. It's just so different up there how they care. Cannot wait for the Olympic hockey tournament (I'll be playing Canada +140 with a splash on Sweden longshot), if, you know, they actually build the arena.

The Edmonton Oilers are the more talented team and should elevate their play in this rivalry matchup. Edmonton is ranked 7th in shots against and has a +60 shot differential. Toronto is ranked 30th in shots allowed and owns a -127 shot differential. Both teams have comparable PK units, but the Oilers are ranked 2nd in PP% while the Maple Leafs are 31st. Tristan Jarry is expected to start in goal after the big trade on Friday. He’s a major upgrade over Stuart Skinner, sporting a 2.66 GAA and .909 save percentage. The last time these teams played, Toronto won 4-3 in Edmonton despite getting outshot 48-28. Mitch Marner played a big role, and he’s now in Vegas. These Canadian teams take revenge games seriously.