Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers Prediction, Preview, and Odds
The Los Angeles Kings face the Edmonton Oilers with both teams looking to start the series strong with a Game One victory. The Kings have a 47-25 10 record which allowed them to finish in third place in the Pacific Division while the Oilers have a 50-23-9 record and a nine-game winning streak to close out the season helped them to secure the second-best record in the Pacific Division. Both teams look to win Game One in a rematch of last year's matchup and the upcoming game should be a great one as a result.
Kings hope defense steps up in series
The Kings put together a great season with their offense leading the way, scoring 3.34 goals per game including five goals in the last game f the season. Anze Kopitar, Kevin Fiala, and Adrian Kempe have scored 92 goals and 121 assists to lead the top two lines but the rest of the offense has stepped up as well. Viktor Arvidsson, Phillip Danault, and Gabriel Vilardi have combined for 67 goals and 87 assists while defensemen Sean Durzi and Drew Doughty have added 18 goals and 72 assists from the point to open up the offense.
The offense has been great but the defense has struggled all season, allowing 3.10 goals per game. Drew Doughty and Michael Anderson have combined for 10.2 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net at will. In addition, goaltender Phoenix Copley has struggled with a .903 save percentage and a 2.64 goals-against average on 947 shots with -1.3 goals saved above average.
Oilers have been carried by a remarkable offense
The Oilers had an incredible season, led by the league's best offense which averaged 3.96 goals per game. Connor McDavid scored 64 goals and 89 assists while Leon Draisaitl added 52 goals and 76 assists to the offense but the entire team has stepped up this season. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, and Evander Kane have combined for 78 goals and 126 assists while defensemen Darnell Nurse and Evan Bouchard have added 20 goals and 63 assists from the point to put the offense over the top.
The offense has been great but the defense has struggled, allowing 3.12 goals per game. Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci have combined for 7.8 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net at will. The bright spot has been the play of goaltender Stuart Skinner who has a .913 save percentage and a 2.75 goals-against average on 1536 shots with 14.1 goals saved above average.
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The Oilers are expected to win on their home ice but I like the Kings to step up and pull off the upset with a strong performance in Game One. The Kings, who average 3.34 goals per game should constantly find the back of the net with Anze Kopitar, Adrian Kempe, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone and creating open shots with quick passes. The Kings should limit the Oilers' offense with Drew Doughty, Michael Anderson, and the rest of the defensive unit stepping up at the blue line and cutting off angles to the net on the rush while limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Phoenix Copley to make plenty of big saves. The Kings should win Game One and pull off the upset and provide great odds in the process as road Underdogs.
Take the Kings money line as road Underdogs.
Prediction: Kings (+160)
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Full-Game Total Pick
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Both offenses have been great while both defenses have been awful and I see this game being a high-scoring one from the opening puck drop. The Oilers, who average 3.96 goals per game, should pile on the goals against the Kings, who allow 3.10 goals per game, with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone and creating open shots with quick puck movement. The Kings look to build off a five-goal game and run up the score against the Oilers, who allow 3.12 goals per game, with Anze Kopitar, Kevin Fiala, Adrian Kempe, and the rest of the forward unit crashing the net on the rush and creating open shots with effective puck movement while Drew Doughty generates shots on the net from the blue line. The Over should cover in a high-scoring game controlled by both offenses.
Take the Over on 6.5 goals.
Prediction: Over 6.5
Mike Fink is a sports writer and a passionate football fan. After graduating from college, Fink picked up the passion he had since being a young child in following and covering all things sports and we are very excited to have him as a part of the StatSalt team. In recent weeks, Mike started a podcast which you can find on Spotify, called "The Mike and Grover Show" and it discusses all things football. He covers all forms of sports betting and also bets on all of the plays he gives out. Mike would advise hockey betting since the odds give you great payouts "Hockey is built to bet the Money Line Underdogs. Be sure and follow him on a daily basis.
