The 2022 Stanley Cup goes on Wednesday, May 4, with the Western Conference First Round battle at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, so we have prepared the best Kings vs. Oilers betting pick and odds.

Edmonton hosts Los Angeles for Game 2 after losing the opening contest 4-3 as a strong -200 moneyline favorite. The Oilers are listed as -187 favorites for Wednesday’s clash, while the Kings are +168 road underdogs with a total of 6.5 goals on BetOnline Sportsbook.  

The Kings nearly blew a two-goal lead in the opener                   

The Los Angeles Kings didn’t care about the odds last Monday. They took a 2-0 lead at Rogers Place, but the Oilers found a way to get back into the game. Center Phillip Danault broke a 3-3 tie in the third period, capitalizing on Mike Smith’s miscue to lift the Kings over the Oilers. 

Four different players found the back of the net for Los Angeles in Game 1, including center Trevor Moore, who also made a couple of assists. Jonathan Quick got the starting call, and the 36-year-old veteran posted 36 saves. 

Quick is now undefeated in six straight starts. He was 23-13-9 this past regular season, tallying a 2.59 GAA and .910 save percentage. The Kings ranked seventh in the NHL in goals allowed per game (2.83) and 21st in goals scored per contest (2.87). 

The Oilers need more from their defense       

The Edmonton Oilers own one of the deadliest offensive lines in hockey. Connor McDavid accounted for 123 points last regular season (44 goals and 79 assists), while Leon Draisaitl added 55 goals and 55 assists. The Oilers were scoring 3.52 goals per game (7th in the NHL) on a 10.2 shooting percentage (11th). 

However, the Oilers’ defense was a problem in 2021-22. Edmonton was yielding 3.10 goals per contest (15th) while posting the 17th-best penalty-killing percentage (79.2%). Mike Smith was 16-9-2 with a 2.81 GAA and .915 save percentage, while Mikko Koskinen went 27-12-4 with a 3.10 GAA and .903 save percentage. 

Smith should get another starting call after surrendering four goals on 35 shots in Game 1. The 40-year-old netminder put an end to his nine-game winning streak. Over his last six outings, Smith has yielded only 10 goals in the total. 

Trends:

Los Angeles: 

  • 2-5 in the last seven games against Edmonton   
  • 2-8 in the last ten playoff games 

Edmonton:

  • 7-2 in the last nine games overall 
  • 14-2 in the last 16 contests at home 
  • 9-3 in the last 12 home games against Los Angeles 

Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers Pick 

The Oilers outshot the Kings 39-35 in Game 1 and recorded two hits more than their rivals (40-38). Edmonton desperately needs to avoid a two-game haul, and I’m expecting the Oilers to deliver. Their offense is good enough to deal with the Kings’ stout defense, so I hope Mike Smith and the Oilers’ defense will improve this time around. 

Edmonton has been outstanding at home lately. The Oilers have won 14 of their last 16 showings at Rogers Place. Also, they’ve won nine of their previous 12 home encounters with the Kings. 

Pick: Take Edmonton Oilers at -187                 

The Total:

The over is 3-1 in the last four meetings between the Kings and Oilers. The line at 6.5 goals is always a tricky one, but given the Oilers’ style of play, going with the over on the totals is a logical choice. 

Five of Edmonton’s last seven contests overall have gone over the total. Also, the over is 15-4 in the Oilers’ previous 19 outings on the home ice. Edmonton has scored four or more goals in 13 of its last 16 home games. 

Pick: Go over 6.5 goals at -115