Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings: NHL Best Bets (4/21)

For the fourth straight year, the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings face off in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. As we know, the Oilers went all the way to the Finals last season, only to end up short, losing to the Florida Panthers. However, they have not had trouble getting past the Kings.

Edmonton has knocked Los Angeles out of the playoffs for three straight years, and they are looking to make it a fourth this season. Three years ago, it took the Oilers all seven games to get by LA. Then they did it in six, and last year they advanced in just five games. Does that mean we will get an Oilers’ sweep this year? It’s doubtful in my eyes.

The Kings were able to win three of the four meetings with Edmonton this season, including both matchups in Los Angeles. In late December, LA took down Edmonton at home in overtime, winning 4-3. A couple weeks later, the Oilers got their revenge at home, winning a low scoring affair, 1-0. The next two meetings happened within the last few games of the season, with the Kings successfully shutting out the Oilers 3-0 at home, and then 5-0 on the road. Can they rally for another win against this stacked lineup?

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Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings: Game One

Matchup Information – Oilers vs Kings

• Venue & Location: crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles, CA)
• Date: Monday, April 21st, 2025
• Puck Drop: 10:00pm Eastern
• Broadcast: ESPN2

Betting Odds

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Puck Line

• Oilers +1.5 (-240)
• Kings -1.5 (+200)

Money Line

• Oilers +118
• Kings -133

Total

• Over 5.5 (-107)
• Under 5.5 (-109)

The Oilers are still missing a couple key defensemen. John Klingberg will remain out of the lineup for Game 1, while Mattias Ekholm is not expected to play in this opening series at all. Evander Kane was not on the ice for Saturday’s optional skate, but he is close to being cleared, perhaps later in the series. However for Game 1 tonight, all eyes will be on McDavid and Draisaitl to lead the Oilers, but it may be too tough of a task.

Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings Best Bets

Oilers vs Kings Prediction: Kings Win, Over 5.5

Best Bets: Kings ML (-133) Bovada

Imagine this. You’ve matched up with the same team to start the playoffs for three straight years. And they’ve knocked you out every single time, and it’s only gotten easier. You’ve had to go to their place, north of the border, to start the series the last three years, but now you get them at home first. Wouldn’t you want to come out screaming in order to jump out to a one game lead?

Despite playing in Edmonton the past three seasons, the Kings have won Game 1 of this series two of the last three times. Plus, they have played the Oilers extremely well over the course of this season, not allowing a goal the past two times they’ve faced off. Sure, the Oilers have plenty of attack on paper, but the defense is very susceptible with the current roster, and the Kings have no problem playing rock solid defense.

The Kings allow just 25 shots on goal per game, ranking 2nd in the NHL behind only the Hurricanes. Yes, the Oilers pepper the net the most out of any offense in hockey, but the Kings are not afraid to put their body on the line and get in front of a slap shot. Los Angeles has held the Oilers to less than 30 shots per game in all four contests, which is decently below their season average. Plus, the last time out, Edmonton only found 21 shots on net, while the Kings blocked 10 as a team.

Tonight at home, in Game 1, I see the Kings getting the best of the Oilers, even though I may believe Edmonton eventually moves on.

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