The 2022 Stanley Cup betting action is heating up with Game 7 of the Western Conference First Round series between Los Angeles and Edmonton, so we bring you the best Kings vs. Oilers betting pick and odds for Saturday, May 14.  

According to MyBookie Sportsbook, the Oilers are heavy -220 moneyline favorites to secure their spot in the conference semifinals. The Kings are listed as +180 road underdogs, while the totals sit at 6.5 goals. 

The Kings aim for another upset at Rogers Place                         

The Los Angeles Kings have won two of their three road contests against Edmonton in this series. However, the Kings suffered a 4-2 defeat in Game 6 at home this past Thursday, blowing a massive opportunity to eliminate the Oilers. 

Los Angeles rallied from a 2-0 deficit in the previous clash but failed to cope with their rivals down the stretch. The Kings went 1-for-4 with the man advantage and killed the Oilers’ lone power-play opportunity, but it wasn’t enough. 

Jonathan Quick has patrolled the crease in the previous six games, posting a 3.66 GAA and .893 save percentage. The 36-year-old goalie had 33 stops in Game 6, and he’ll surely get another starting call Saturday in Game 7. Keep your eyes on center Phillip Danault, who’s recorded two goals, five assists, and a plus-six rating so far this series. 

The Oilers need a strong defensive effort             

After trouncing the Kings 6-0 and 8-2 in Games 2 and 3, the Edmonton Oilers got blanked in Game 4 on the road, 4-0. Game 5 at Rogers Place in Edmonton saw the Oilers concede a bunch of goals in a 5-4 overtime defeat, so it’s clear that Edmonton needs a strong defensive performance in a decisive clash. 

Mike Smith has guarded the cage in the previous six contests, racking up a 2.67 GAA and an excellent .931 save percentage. The 40-year-old netminder needs more help from his teammates. He turned aside 42 of 45 shots in that 4-0 loss in LA. 

Connor McDavid leads the way for the Oilers with three goals and nine assists. Evander Kane has seven goals and a couple of dishes on his postseason tally, while Leon Draisaitl has accounted for five goals and three assists. 

Trends:

Los Angeles: 

  • 5-10 in the last 15 games against Edmonton 
  • 3-8 in the last 11 games played in May 

Edmonton:

  • 10-4 in the last 14 games overall 
  • 15-3 in the last 18 games at home 
  • 10-4 in the last 14 home games against Los Angeles 

Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers Pick 

The Oilers are arguably a much better offensive team than the Kings, who were tallying just 2.87 goals per game this past regular season. Edmonton’s defense is a problem, but Mike Smith could be an X-factor if he continues with a strong performance in the crease. 

On the other side of the ice, I’m expecting Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evander Kane to torture the Kings’ defense. The price is not tempting at all, but I don’t feel comfortable with a puckline. If you want to take the risk, the odds sit at +120. 

Pick: Take Edmonton Oilers at -220             

The Total:

Five of the previous six encounters between the Kings and Oilers have produced at least six goals in the total, while three have gone over a 6.5-goal line. Hereof, I’m expecting another high-scoring affair, though the totals are a tricky wager because of 6.5-goal chalk. The Kings will try to slow down things, but that’s not going to be an easy task by any means given the Oilers’ offensive firepower. 

The over is 6-3 in Los Angeles’ last nine outings on the road, 8-3 in Edmonton’s previous 11 playoff games at home, and 13-7 in the Oilers’ last 20 showings as favorites. 

Pick: Go over 6.5 goals at +100