Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings Prediction, NHL Odds
The Oilers have moved a single point past LA in the standings while winning five in a row, capped by Tuesday’s 2-1 win in San Jose. The Kings are coming off a 3-2 loss to the visiting Calgary Flames, and have now fallen to defeat in nine of their past 14 home contests.
The Oilers have held steady since opening a -131 road favourites despite garnering the support of 62% of sports bettors. The Kings lag as +109 underdogs, and the total is pegged at 6.5, with -115 odds favouring the UNDER.
Oilers vs. Kings NHL Betting Odds
Thursday night’s matchup at Crypto.com Arena marks the fourth and final regular season meeting between these divisional rivals. The Oilers claimed the win in two of their three previous clashes this season, including a decisive 5-2 victory in Los Angeles on February 15. Overall, Edmonton has knocked off the Kings in nine of 13 meetings since February 2018, including each of the club’s past two visits to Los Angeles. These two teams have scored an average of 6.5 total goals over their past four dates, fueling a 4-1-3 run for the OVER in totals betting. However, the Kings have potted two or fewer goals in three of their past five head-to-head matchups, including each of their past two home dates with Edmonton.
In addition to winning five straight, the Oilers have also earned at least a point in 14 of 18 contests. However, the club has struggled to seal wins in regulation, with three of their five recent victories getting settled in overtime or by shootout. That includes their 4-3 shootout win in Edmonton on March 30. Despite regularly keeping sports bettors on their edge of their seats, the Oilers have averaged a steady 4.80 goals per game during their 5-0-0 run, and scored at least four goals in 12 of 14 outings. Consistency remains a concern for the Kings, who have tallied consecutive wins just once while losing eight of 14. However, they have maintained a stingy defence, allowing just seven total goals over their past three contests, boosting their team goals against average to 2.75, eighth best in the NHL.
Edmonton Oilers
After missing Tuesday’s victory in San Jose with a leg injury, Leon Draisiatl’s status remains questionable. Draisaitl was enjoying a 12-game point streak, during which he racked up 12 goals and 22 points, and was sorely missed by the Oilers, who mustered just 24 shots on the Sharks goal. With Draisaitl on the shelf, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins assumed greater responsibilities, particularly on the power play, and has recorded three points over the first two games of this road trip.
Los Angeles Kings
Adrian Kempe has provided a much needed offensive spark to a Kings lineup decimated by long-term injuries. Kempe tallied both goals in Monday’s 3-2 loss to the Flames, and has now picked up eight points in his past five outings. Kempe also scored twice in the Kings’ 5-1 win in Edmonton on December 5, but has been held off the scoresheet in the two subsequent meetings between these clubs.
