The Oilers are 2-2 on an extended road trip, but they have kept it close with the best teams in the league, and have won 7 of their last 10. Goalie Mike Smith has had some issues since returning from extended absences, but is a quality goalie who appears to be rounding into form. The Oilers can score with the best of them, and badly outmatch the Blackhawks on offense and special teams. The Blackhawks are 3-7, a poor home team, with significant injuries and nothing to play for. Their defense is sub-par and offense is 3rd worst in the league.

Why then are the Oilers such a weak favorite on Thursday? While the Oilers haven’t played Chicago this year, they have lost 4 straight in Chicago and there are still question marks around Smith, I suppose. As the saying goes “that was then and this is now.” Give me the Oilers at these odds any day.