The second round playoff encounter in the Stanley Cup between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers will take place on May 15 at the T-Mobile Arena. The series score is 3-1 in favor of Edmonton. Vegas vs. Edmonton: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Vegas Golden Knights
Bruce Cassidy's team suffered their third defeat in the last four NHL playoff games, losing the previous match in the series (0-3). This is the club's first shutout loss in the current Stanley Cup campaign. Notably, Vegas ranks among the teams conceding the most goals in this playoff, with opponents scoring at least three goals per game on average. However, they maintain one of the best penalty kill percentages (80%).
- Vegas has not won in regulation time in their last four home NHL games (2 draws, 2 losses).
- The team has conceded at least three goals in 60 minutes in 6 of their last 9 home league games.
- At least six goals have been scored in regulation time in 7 of the last 10 NHL games involving Vegas.
Edmonton Oilers
Chris Knoblauch's team is on the verge of reaching the semifinals after winning the previous match in the series. The club led by two goals after the first period, outshooting their opponents threefold in the opening 20 minutes. Adam Hernek (2+0) and Evander Kane (1+1) each scored two points for Edmonton. Notably, the team remains the highest-scoring in this playoff, with 39 goals. However, they have the worst penalty-killing percentage among the clubs still competing in the Stanley Cup (62.1%).
- Edmonton has won their last three away NHL games (1 in OT).
- The club has scored at least three goals in regulation time in 6 of their last 7 league away matches.
- At least six goals have been scored over three periods in 8 of the last 10 NHL games involving Edmonton.
Vegas vs. Edmonton: Match Prediction
Chris Knoblauch's team deservedly leads the series, having made their opponents nervous and gained a psychological advantage. Based on the last match's performance, they have every chance to close the series in the upcoming game. Edmonton looks more convincing and stable, especially in execution, and has not scored fewer than three goals in regulation time in the current series.
Moreover, in the last eight games of this playoff, the club has suffered only one regulation loss (5 wins, 2 draws). Vegas has not won in regulation time in their last four home games (2 draws, 2 losses). The hosts will surely be determined, as they have no room for error, but given how the series has unfolded in each match and Edmonton's desire to finish it soon, I believe they will at least not lose in regulation time, and their scoring prowess is unlikely to change significantly.
In the last three head-to-head encounters at Vegas's venue, Edmonton did not lose in regulation time (2 wins, 1 draw), scoring at least three goals in each case, so my prediction: Edmonton Oilers will not lose and ITB 2.5
