The Edmonton Oilers have yet to play in a Stanley Cup Final since drafting the best hockey player of the current era, Connor McDavid, but they’re poised to do exactly that this season, finally giving him a defense to play in front of.
In order for him to get there, he and the Oilers need to get past the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Oilers went 3-1 against the Golden Knights in the regular season, with the latest victory coming on March 28th in a 7-4 victory.
Let’s dive into the betting odds for tonight’s pivotal Game 1.
Oilers vs. Golden Knights odds, puck line, and total
Oilers vs. Golden Knights prediction and pick
I’m not a believer in the Vegas Golden Knights and I could foresee myself betting on the Oilers in every game this series. The oddsmakers agree with me that the Knights aren’t as good as their record indicates. A No. 1 seed that lives up to its seeding should be a much bigger favorite at home than Vegas is tonight.
I’m a big fan of advanced analytics and if you look at a few key metrics, it’s clear the Oilers are the better team.
Golden Knights statistical rankings:
- 22nd in CORSI%
- 20th in FENWICK%
- 16th in expected goals%
- 12th in high-danger scoring chances
- 12th in shooting%
Oilers statistical rankings:
- 7th in CORSI%
- 13th in FENWICK%
- 4th in expected goals%
- 3rd in high-danger scoring chances
- 1st in shooting%
The only concern I have with the Oilers is their goaltending. Stuart Skinner had an .890 save percentage in the opening round against the Los Angeles Kings. If he plays that poorly again, Edmonton could be in trouble.
Regardless, I’ll back the Oilers to get the job done in Game 1.
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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
