The first-round playoff encounter of the Stanley Cup between the Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers will take place on April 22 at the Crypto.com Arena. Los Angeles vs. Edmonton: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Los Angeles Kings
Jim Hiller's team finished the regular season in fourth place in the West and second in the Pacific Division, marking their best achievement in the last nine years. Notably, Los Angeles became one of the most reliable NHL clubs by conceding only 206 goals, second only to Winnipeg. However, they have one of the weakest power-play conversion rates at 17.9%. Adrian Kempe scored the most points for the team, earning 73 points (35 goals, 38 assists) this season.
Last season, Los Angeles exited the Stanley Cup in the first round, losing to Edmonton in five games. The upcoming playoffs will be the club's third consecutive appearance, and each time they have faced Edmonton in the first stage without advancing. Los Angeles is a two-time Stanley Cup winner (2012, 2014).
- Los Angeles has not scored more than three goals in regular time in their last four home NHL meetings.
- The team has won after three periods in 8 of their last 11 home league matches.
- At least six goals were scored in regular time in 4 of Los Angeles' last 5 NHL games.
Edmonton Oilers
Chris Knoblauch's team finished sixth in the Western Conference and third in the Pacific Division after the regular season. For the first time in three seasons, the team did not rank among the top five scoring teams in the NHL, with a total of 259 goals and an average of fewer than three goals per game. Leon Draisaitl was the club's top scorer with 106 points (71 goals, 52 assists), placing him among the league's top three scorers. Connor McDavid, another Edmonton leader, was only six points behind (26 goals, 74 assists) and also ranked among the NHL's top scorers this season.
Last year, the club reached the finals but lost to Florida in seven games. The upcoming Stanley Cup will be Edmonton's sixth consecutive appearance. Notably, in the 21st century, the club has never won the league's main trophy and has only reached the finals twice (2006, 2024).
- Edmonton has not scored more than two goals in regular time in 4 of their last 6 league meetings in Los Angeles.
- The club has won 6 of their last 9 NHL away games (1 in OT).
- Edmonton has not conceded more than three goals in regular time in their last six away NHL matches.
Los Angeles vs. Edmonton: Match Prediction
Jim Hiller’s team had a more stable regular season compared to previous years. They have an exemplary defense, quality players, and overall, they are closer than ever to advancing past the first playoff round, if not for facing Edmonton once again.
Chris Knoblauch's team had a worse season than the last. They lost quality, and the defense was unimpressive, but Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid kept the club competitive throughout the regular season. With their leaders in good form, Edmonton can pose a threat, and considering their consistent performance and regular scoring, there is no need for concern.
On paper, Los Angeles appears more stable, having had a smoother regular season compared to Edmonton. However, in the playoffs, experience and the activation of leaders often decide the outcomes, and in this regard, Chris Knoblauch's team is unlikely to be the underdog. Edmonton is expected to break through the opponent's defense, even though Los Angeles is strong defensively. In 4 of their last 6 away NHL games, the club scored at least three goals in regular time. Additionally, their average scoring this season is also three goals per game.
My prediction: Edmonton Oilers Individual Total Over 2.5
