Betting tips from AI for Pittsburgh Penguins vs Edmonton Oilers, 17 December 2025.

Bookmakers list Edmonton as the favorite at 1.71 versus Pittsburgh's 2.24 (draw 4.20). I side with the Oilers: Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl supply a relentless scoring punch and Edmonton consistently generates the chances that win tight road games. Computer models split, but the model that favors Edmonton highlights superior chance creation and a higher expected-goal rate.

Pittsburgh's five-game freefall, late-game defensive lapses and the absence of Evgeni Malkin's secondary spark make them a shaky moneyline play. Tristan Jarry's emotional return to PPG Paints Arena and Draisaitl chasing his 1,000th point add motivation, but the balance of form and depth suggests Edmonton pulls out a high-event win — take the Oilers.

The Edmonton Oilers march into Pittsburgh as clear favorites, and for good reason. Their dynamic duo of McDavid and Draisaitl continues to be an offensive juggernaut, a fact betting experts have noted when favoring the Oilers on the moneyline at 1.71.

Draisaitl chasing his 1,000th career point adds an extra layer of motivation for an Oilers squad that's been steady, if streaky, winning three of their last five. They thrive in high-event games, averaging over six goals, a style that perfectly exploits the Penguins' recent defensive woes.

Pittsburgh, frankly, is in a freefall, dropping five straight with heartbreaking OT losses and a 5-4 defeat to Utah. Their late-game defense is shaky, especially without Malkin's secondary spark. While Tristan Jarry's emotional return to Pittsburgh against his former team is a compelling subplot, his 'road steadiness' is a major asset for Edmonton.

Even with one computer model predicting a tight 4-3 Penguins win, the overall picture points to Edmonton. Their superior chance creation and potent rush attacks should overwhelm a struggling Penguins team at 2.24. The Oilers look poised for a road bounce-back.

The Penguins' recent five-game skid, including several gut-wrenching OT losses and that 5-4 defeat to Utah, reveals a team struggling to close out games. Their defensive issues are compounded by Malkin's absence, leaving them vulnerable against Edmonton's high-powered attack.

Meanwhile, the Oilers bring McDavid and Draisaitl's elite scoring punch to Pittsburgh, with Draisaitl eyeing his 1,000th career point - a milestone that could provide extra motivation. Edmonton's tendency toward high-scoring affairs (averaging 6+ goals) plays directly into Pittsburgh's defensive weaknesses.

Tristan Jarry's return to PPG Paints Arena adds an emotional dimension that could elevate his performance. The Oilers at 1.71 represent solid value considering the matchup dynamics. While Pittsburgh has home-ice advantage, Edmonton's superior offensive firepower and the Penguins' defensive struggles make the Oilers the smarter bet in what should be an entertaining, high-scoring contest.

The NHL clash between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Edmonton Oilers on December 17, 2025, promises fireworks at PPG Paints Arena, where home-ice passion collides with Edmonton's offensive firepower. Pittsburgh's in a tailspin, dropping five straight—including a gut-wrenching 5-4 loss to Utah—that's laid bare their defensive cracks, especially without Evgeni Malkin's usual magic. Late-game meltdowns have plagued them, turning solid starts into squandered leads.

Enter the Oilers, steady if streaky, riding three wins in their last five and hungry for a road rebound after a Montreal stumble. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl's scoring punch is unmatched, with Draisaitl eyeing his 1,000th point in what could be a milestone explosion. Their high-event style averages over six goals per game, fueled by rush attacks that exploit shaky defenses like Pittsburgh's.

Tristan Jarry's emotional return adds intrigue, facing ex-teammates in a netminder duel with Stuart Skinner. Betting experts lean Oilers on the moneyline at 1.71, citing Jarry's road poise against Pittsburgh's woes, while computer models project a narrow Edmonton edge (3.58-2.83 goals). Though one sim sees a 4-3 Penguins upset, the value screams Oilers to snap Pittsburgh's skid and cash in on their momentum.

For a $1 bet, the Oilers moneyline offers smart profitability—backing the stars in a bounce-back spot.

Edmonton comes in with a clear edge, backed by McDavid and Draisaitl's explosive offense. Leon Draisaitl's chase for his 1,000th career point adds a motivational spark, while Tristan Jarry's steady road play faces a Penguins defense in disarray.

The Oilers' potent rush attack should exploit Pittsburgh's recent late-game collapses and a five-game losing streak. While the emotional return of Jarry adds intrigue, Edmonton's superior chance creation and the 1.71 moneyline odds offer solid value against a struggling home side.

The stage is set for a thrilling showdown between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Edmonton Oilers at PPG Paints Arena. The Oilers enter this matchup as favorites with odds of 1.71, reflecting their firepower led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who could notch his 1,000th career point in this game. The Penguins, on the other hand, are listed at 2.24, but their recent struggles—five consecutive losses—paint a concerning picture. Their defensive frailties were laid bare in a 5-4 loss to Utah, while their lack of secondary scoring without Evgeni Malkin looms large.

Tristan Jarry’s return to Pittsburgh adds an intriguing subplot, as he faces off against former teammates like Stuart Skinner. While Jarry has shown road steadiness this season, Skinner’s inconsistency in high-leverage situations gives the Oilers an edge. Computer models suggest a high-scoring affair, projecting around six goals, which favors Edmonton’s dynamic attack. The Oilers’ ability to capitalize on rush chances should overwhelm a leaky Penguins defense that has faltered late in games.

A bet on the Oilers at 1.71 feels like the safer play given their superior talent and momentum, even if it means sacrificing some value. However, the Penguins' desperation at home and historical resilience cannot be entirely dismissed. Still, the Oilers’ consistency and star power make them the more reliable choice.