NHL Playoffs Series Odds: Chicago Blackhawks vs. Edmonton Oilers
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David Bastl
Many people would not have predicted the Chicago Blackhawks would be playoff bound after finishing the regular season seventh out of seven teams in the Central Division. However, with 72 points, the Hawks are the 12 seed in the Western Conference and they will face Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers in the qualifying round.
The Hawks took two of three games from the Oilers this season, including a 4-3 win on March 5 in Chicago. However, the Oilers are the -204 favourites in the series on the Sports Interaction NHL odds board.
Chicago Blackhawks Odds
If they Blackhawks are successful in this series, it will fall squarely on the shoulders of Patrick Kane. Despite the Hawks missing the post season the last two seasons, Kane has been great in the scoring column year in and year out averaging just over 1.1 points per game. Veterans like Kane, Jonathan Toews, Corey Crawford, Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith (if healthy) bring a lot of Stanley Cup pedigree with three Championship rings for each of them.
One newcomer to watch is Dominik Kubalik who exploded for 30 goals in 68 games in his first NHL season. He will be asked to provide the Hawks with secondary scoring behind Kane.
The Blackhawks are marked as +2200 to win the Western Conference and +5000 to win the Stanley Cup.
Edmonton Oilers Odds
The Oilers finished second in the Pacific Division this season, only three points behind the first place Vegas Golden Knights. This will be the team’s first playoff appearance since the 2016-17 season. During that post season run, Connor McDavid played in 13 games picking up five goals and 4 assists.
This year’s Oilers will rely on McDavid and Art Trophy winner Leon Draisaitl who racked up an amazing 110 points in 71 games.
Here’s the problem. After McDavid and Draisaitl’s point producing prowess, the Oilers will be searching for secondary scoring in a big way. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins potted 61 points in 65 games, which is a very respectable mark, but the fourth leading scorer on the team is Tyler Ennis with only 37 points.
The Oilers are one of the favourites in the Western Conference at +500 and +900 to win the Stanley Cup.