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Edgar Chaput
Kings vs. Oilers Game 2 Prediction, Stanley Cup Playoff Odds
The big question heading into this series was whether the Los Angeles Kings had what it takes to slow down the Edmonton Oilers and finally get past them in the first round. One match does not decide an entire series, but it can suggest the chasm between rivals. On that note, the 7-4 win for Edmonton told us a whole lot.
For Game 2 the NHL odds are convinced enough to put the Oilers as -190 favourites, whereas the Kings are +155 underdogs.
Kings vs. Oilers NHL Betting Odds
With respect to the series, the Oilers have a decisive advantage after their Game 1 victory. A full four-game sweep is priced at +400, a 4-1 series win at +290, a 4-2 series win at +330, and that the series go the distance at +460.
Take note that the odds have more faith in Edmonton dispatching L.A. in five games rather than in six, which is probably what most would have guessed at the start of the round.
The hubbub surrounding Monday night’s win for the Oilers – apart from, you know, winning – was that the team has a bad habit of starting series slow. Los Angeles had clipped Edmonton in Game 1 both in 2022 and 2023. Edmonton also lost the first game of their 2022 second round series versus the Flames, Game 1 of the conference final against the Avalanche, and finally the first match of last year’s second round bout against the Golden Knights.
Good news for both teams as they are largely healthy. At least, they have no injuries to speak of that would prevent anyone from playing Game 2.
Los Angeles Kings
Maybe this is how the tables get turned for the L.A. Kings. As mentioned above, the Californian side claimed Game 1 over Edmonton two years in a row, only to suffer a first round playoff exit regardless. Maybe losing the opening salvo this time will produce a different result in the long run.
If the Kings can capitalize on their chances earlier in the game, that could very well end up happening. After all, they peppered Edmonton’s net for 37 shots, which is quite good given how improved the Oilers are defensively this season. They also never gave up. Down 6-2 late in regulation, they netted twice to make things a bit uncomfortable for the hosts. All that said, the key word here is “discipline.” The Oilers are deadly on the powerplay, and although four penalties doesn’t sound like too much, the Kings failed to kill three of them.
Adrien Kempe (first), Mikey Anderson (first), Pierre-Luc Dubois (first), and Trevor Moore (first) all scored for the visitors.
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers must have watched the Jets’ wild Game 1 victory over the Avalanche the night before and thought that looked like an awesome version of playoff hockey.
They gave up two fewer goals than their Winnipeg rivals, but on the attack they were just as ruthless. Everyone knows how good they are on the man advantage, and they went 75 per cent on the night. Granted, Los Angeles didn’t quit and kept playing hard, but Game 1 was an example of how little that matters when the Oilers are operating at full capacity. The shot 45 times on net, scored seven times, Zach Hyman had a hat trick, Connor McDavid had a quintet of apples, and Leon Draisaitl scored on the power play (has he always does). Even the Kings 70 hits – an impressive number – didn’t deter the Oilers’ spirit.
LA
EDM