A miraculous win in Game 1 for the Los Angeles Kings stole home ice advantage over the Edmonton Oilers right off the bat. Edmonton tied up the series on Wednesday, winning comfortably 4-2, and the teams will face-off at 10 PM Eastern Time (7 PM Pacific) in LA for a massively important Game 3.
With drama already running high in this rematch from last year’s First Round, it’s imperative to remember one thing: the odds. Let’s break down the best ones.
All odds, lines, and spreads are provided courtesy of BetMGM
BetMGM: It’s Time To Change The Game
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Best Picks in Oilers vs Kings Game 3
Kings +1.5
Los Angeles stole Game 1 and got beat by two goals in Game 2, but that doesn’t diminish the level of hockey they’re capable of. It’s surprising the spread is this high.
The Kings went 26-11-4 at home this season, ranking fifth in the NHL. On the other hand, the Oilers had the fifth-best road record this season, going 27-11-3. Even though Edmonton posted a fantastic road record in the regular season, the environment in the playoffs is a different animal.
In LA’s playoff home opener, expect high-energy throughout the game from players and fans alike.
The key for the Kings to cover this spread is their execution of the power play on both sides. LA was fourth in the regular season in power play conversion (25.3%), but just 24th in penalty kill. The Oilers set an NHL record this season for power play conversion this season, scoring 32.4% of the time.
If LA can win the special teams battle and minimize one of the Oilers’ biggest strengths, they should be able to cover this spread.
Oilers -145 ML
Picking the Oilers moneyline is not in contrast to the +1.5 spread for the Kings.
Expect this game to go down to the wire, if not into overtime again. LA is hungry for revenge after falling in seven last year to Edmonton, and their fans will embody that all night.
Okay, we’re getting a rematch of the series from last year.
KINGS vs OiLers.
Starting in Edmonton.We almost got them last year. Let’s get the job done this year, we got an extra fan. ⬇️#GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/poR0f2Xnew
— Deedee Appleby (@deedeedott) April 14, 2023
But Edmonton has the talent and experience to negate this.
There’s no debate that they’ve controlled most of the first two games thus far. A goal by Anže Kopitar with 17 seconds left in Game 1 and a collapse by Edmonton made this a 1-1 series.
With the league’s two leading scorers, 13 (!) double-digit goalscorers, and the highest scoring offense in the league, this team has the offensive prowess to get themselves on the board in frantic road environments.
Go with the team who has commanded the series so far to take that important 2-1 lead.
Oilers Win by 1: +675
Based on the two prior picks, this outcome is a given. It’d be shocking if either team got blown out in this game, and if the expectation is a battle to the end, a one-goal outcome is highly likely.
If you feel the Kings aren’t going to drop their playoff home-opener, and also believe in the close outcome, their odds for winning by one goal are +750.
But if the previous two picks hit, this bet wins no matter what.
Craziest Odds
First Period Score of 3-3: +25,000
Yes, this line is absurd. That’s why it’s in the “Craziest Odds” section. But there’s an argument here.
The Oilers have won the first period 2-0 in both games of the series so far. The Kings have had the only three-goal period in the first two games. The debate here is that both teams are capable of coming out scorching hot.
The Kings could ride the momentum of their fans and execute on the offensive end right out the gates, and the Oilers have to keep their hot starts to games as well.
This is NOT advising you to bank on a 3-3 first period tonight.
It’s a highly unlikely scenario, hence the +25,000 odds, but if you’re a fan of cheap longshot bets, this has the best value.
Free Picks
In addition to the Best Picks, here’s a few more odds with great value in tonight’s game:
Anže Kopitar OVER 1.5 Shots: -200
Connor McDavid OVER 3.5 Shots: -165
Kings First Period ML: +105
Final Score of 4-3: +1250
Will Both Teams Score 3 or More Goals: Yes, +170
Go with your gut, and bet responsibly.
