The first-round playoff matchup in the Stanley Cup between the Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers will take place on April 30 at the Crypto.com Arena. The series is currently tied 2-2. Los Angeles vs. Edmonton: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Los Angeles Kings
Jim Hiller's team lost their last away game in overtime with a score of 3-4, despite leading by two goals during the match. In the previous game, standout performances came from Phillip Danault, who provided two assists. In the current Stanley Cup playoffs, the club is among the highest-scoring teams with 19 goals but also ranks poorly in goals conceded with 18. Notably, the team boasts the best power-play conversion rate in this playoff at 46.7%.
- Los Angeles has scored at least three goals in 60 minutes in their last four NHL home games.
- The club has won in regular time in 10 of their last 13 home league matches.
- At least six goals have been scored in three periods in Los Angeles's last five NHL matches.
Edmonton Oilers
The team leveled the series in the last game by scoring the winning goal in overtime on a power play. Leon Draisaitl was notable for Edmonton, scoring four points (1+3) in total during the match. With 18 goals scored, the club ranks among the top-scoring teams in the current Stanley Cup playoffs, yet they also rank among the most conceding with 19 goals. Currently, in this playoff, the team trails only Los Angeles in power-play conversion rate at 40%.
- Edmonton lost after three periods in 4 of their last 6 NHL away games.
- The club has not scored more than three goals in regular time in 19 of their last 21 away league matches.
- No more than five goals have been scored in 60 minutes in 6 of Edmonton's last 8 NHL away games.
Los Angeles vs. Edmonton: Match Prediction
As two of the highest-scoring teams in this playoff, both are not shy in terms of scoring. In the current series, the opponents have collectively scored at least six goals in regular time in all cases. Los Angeles holds the gameplay advantage in this matchup, but Edmonton plays with character, which translates into high scoring from both sides. I believe the teams will maintain this component, especially since the mathematical chances are currently equal.
At least six goals have been scored in regular time in 9 of the last 13 NHL meetings. Moreover, in Los Angeles's last five home games, no fewer than six goals have been scored in 60 minutes. Both teams have high-level players, and the leaders are currently playing at their peak, so I do not expect lower scoring in the series.
My prediction: Total over 5.5 goals
