The first-round playoff match of the Stanley Cup between the Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings will take place on May 2 at Rogers Place. The series score is 3-2 in favor of Edmonton. Edmonton vs. Los Angeles: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Edmonton Oilers
Chris Knoblauch's team took the lead in the series by winning the last away game 3-1. Notably, the club almost doubled their opponent in shot activity (46:22). Edmonton leads the current Stanley Cup in goals scored (21 goals). However, they have the worst penalty kill in this playoff (55.6%), but rank among the top five in power play efficiency (33.3%).
- Edmonton has scored at least three goals in regular time in 10 of their last 12 NHL home games against this opponent.
- The club has won 5 of their last 6 home games in the league (2 in OT).
- At least six goals have been scored over three periods in 9 of Edmonton's last 11 NHL home games.
Los Angeles Kings
Jim Hiller's team is on the brink of elimination from the Stanley Cup after losing the last game. Los Angeles scored their only goal on the power play in the 24th minute, with Andrei Kuzmenko opening the scoring. In terms of scoring in this playoff, the club trails only Edmonton, with 20 goals, but they are also the team conceding the most goals so far (21 goals). However, they have the best power play percentage in the current Stanley Cup (44.4%).
- Los Angeles has not scored more than three goals in regular time in 11 of their last 15 NHL games at Edmonton.
- The team has not lost in regulation time in 4 of their last 5 away games in the league (3 wins, 1 draw).
- No more than six goals have been scored in regular time in 6 of Los Angeles's last 8 NHL games.
Edmonton vs. Los Angeles: Match Prediction
After three consecutive victories in the series, Edmonton is undoubtedly on a high, at least psychologically, while Los Angeles finds it challenging, especially now when there is no room for error. Jim Hiller's team's situation is worsened by the fact that the opponent is quite convincing at home, having won 5 of their last 6 NHL games as hosts (2 in OT), while Los Angeles has lost in two previous away games in the league, both in this series (1 in OT).
Throughout the series, Los Angeles had the upper hand in gameplay, but Edmonton managed to adapt and now leads the series on merit. It is quite likely, in my opinion, that the club could help end their opponent's season in the upcoming match, as they appear stronger in terms of character. Additionally, Edmonton has won 9 of their last 11 NHL home games against this opponent (1 in OT), so my prediction: Edmonton Oilers to win the match
