In this article, we will formulate a Kings vs Oilers prediction for this NHL game on Wednesday, April 23, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Edmonton Oilers Betting Preview
The Edmonton Oilers (48-30-5, 31-52 ATS) concluded the regular season with four wins in five games to finish in 3rd place in the Pacific Division, four points behind the Kings. In Game 1 of the series against the Los Angeles Kings, the Oilers were down 4-0 but managed to respond and fight back to make it 5-5 late in the game, before the Kings scored the winner with just 42 seconds to go. Leon Draisaitl, Mattias Janmark, Corey Perry, Zach Hyma, and Connor McDavid scored for Edmonton in a 6-5 loss.
The Oilers average 3.16 goals per game this year (11th), while they allow 2.87 GPG (14th). Leon Draisaitl leads the team with 108 points (53 G and 55 A). Connor McDavid contributes 104 points (27 G and 77 A), while Evan Bouchard has 70 points (14 G and 56 A).
Stuart Skinner (26-19-4) will likely take his place in the cage for the Oilers on Wednesday against the Kings. The 26-year-old is allowing 2.81 goals per game this year with a .896 SV% and three shutouts.
Los Angeles Kings Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Kings (49-25-9, 41-42 ATS) closed the regular season on a high note, with eight wins in ten games to secure second place in the Pacific Division with 105 points, five behind the top-placed Golden Knights. The Kings opened Game 1 against the Oilers with a 4-0 lead, and just when many thought the hosts would book an easy victory, the Oilers fought back and equalized at 5-5. Phillip Danault saved the Kings with a winner and his second goal of the game late on. Andrei Kuzmenko, Quinton Byfield, Adrian Kempe, and Kevin Fiala also scored for Los Angeles.
The Kings score 3.04 goals per game on average (14th), while they concede 2.48 GPG (2nd). This season, Adrian Kempe leads the team with 76 points (36 G and 40 A). Anze Kopitar has 68 points (21 G and 47 A), while Kevin Fiala chips in with 62 points (36 G and 26 A).
Darcy Kuemper (32-11-7) is expected to start for the Kings at the goal on Wednesday against the Oilers. The 34-year-old is allowing 2.02 goals per game this year with a .922 SV% and five shutouts.
Why the Oilers will beat the Kings
- The Oilers have won eight of their last 12 games as road underdogs.
- The Kings have lost four of their last five Game 2s of a playoff series.
- The road team has covered the puck line in each of the Kings’ last five games.
- The Kings have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five games at Crypto.com Arena.
- The Kings have lost the third period in five of their last six games when trailing after the second period.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Oilers’ last six night games at Crypto.com Arena following a road loss have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Each of the Kings’ last four home games against Western Conference opponents have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Seven of the last eight Wednesday games at Crypto.com Arena have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in four of the Kings’ last five games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in 10 of the Oilers’ last 11 road games against Pacific Division opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Los Angeles Kings rank 8th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (81.43%).
- The Los Angeles Kings rank 1st in the league for Period 1 goals allowed per game this season (0.55).
- The Edmonton Oilers rank T3rd in the league in short-handed goals allowed this season (4).
- The Edmonton Oilers rank T4th in the league for Period 3 goals allowed per game this season (0.91).
Kings vs Oilers Prediction
The teams have traded wins in the past few years, as each recorded five in the previous ten H2H encounters. The Kings were better in four of the last five, all of which were played this season, including Game 1 of this series. The Kings are fantastic at home and have a 1-0 lead, but I am backing the Oilers because if they go to a 2-0 hole, I don’t think they will find the way out. Edmonton scored five goals against the second-best defense, so it’s evident the Oilers know how to score against Los Angeles. The visitors won’t let the Kings take a big lead like in Game 1, and it’s going to be a much closer tilt from the start. I am giving a slight advantage to Draisaitl, McDavid, and co.