In this article we will formulate an Edmonton Oilers vs LA Kings prediction for this NHL game on Wednesday, April 24th at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta. Edmonton was able to take a 1-0 series lead in game one of the series, so let’s take a look at the prediction for game two.
Edmonton Looks to Defend Home Ice
The Edmonton Oilers jumped all over the LA Kings in game one of this series, where they won 7-4 on Sunday night. Edmonton scored the first four goals in the game and had all of the momentum. The Oilers got goals from Hyman (2), Henrique, and Nugent-Hopkins, but they did allow two goals to end the second period. Edmonton scored the first two goals of the third and added an empty netter for the win. The Oilers recorded 45 shots on goal and went 3-4 on the power play in the game. Overall, Edmonton was elite on offense, but their defense is not the best. In past seasons, Edmonton has struggled to play strong defense in the postseason, which has been their downfall.
Edmonton had some struggles to finish the regular season, as they lost four of their last five games. The Oilers lost to Colorado, Arizona (twice), and Vancouver, while defeating San Jose in their last five regular season games. Edmonton is scoring 3.56 goals per game and they are allowing 2.88 goals against per game, while going 26.3% on the power play and 79.5% on the penalty kill. Connor McDavid led the Oilers this season with 32 goals, 100 assists, and 263 shots on goal.
Can the Kings Stop the Puck?
The LA Kings were a really good defensive team during the regular season and they held Edmonton to fewer than 3.00 goals per game in their first four meetings, but they allowed seven goals in the game one loss. LA fell behind 4-0 in the second period, but they got goals from Anderson and Kempe to draw within two after two periods. Los Angeles couldn’t sustain that momentum for long, as they allowed two goals in the first 6:17 of the third period. The Kings were able to get two late goals in the game, but it wasn’t nearly enough to cover for their poor defensive game. Los Angeles recorded 37 shots on goal and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. The Kings are not a team that is going to be able to win high scoring games with Edmonton, so they need to get back to their defensive ways if they want to have a chance in the series.
The Kings ended the regular season with plenty of momentum, as they won six of their last eight games, but they did struggle against the better teams that they faced over the last few weeks. LA is scoring 3.10 goals per game and they are allowing 2.56 goals against per game, while going 22.6% on the power play and 84.6% on the penalty kill. Adrian Kempe led the Kings during the regular season with 28 goals, 47 assists, and 246 shots on goal.
Can Either Team Get Better Goaltending?
Edmonton comes into this matchup projected to start Stuart Skinner, who was 36-16-5 this year with a 2.62 goals against average and a .905 save percentage. Skinner was not good to start the season, but he was actually one of the better goaltenders towards the end of the season. LA is projected to go with Cam Talbot, who was 27-20-6 during the regular season with a 2.50 goals against average and a .913 save percentage. Talbot had some solid numbers this season, but I don’t know if any goalie can stop the Oilers when they are 100% focused.
Edmonton Oilers Team Facts
- The Oilers have won eight of their last nine games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The home team has covered the puck line in nine of the last 10 games between the Kings and Oilers.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in 14 of the Oilers’ last 15 games following a win.
- The Oilers have won the third period in each of their last six night games at Rogers Place following a win.
Los Angeles Kings Team Facts
- The Kings have lost each of their last six Game 2s of a Western Conference First Round series.
- The favorites have covered the puck line in each of the Kings’ last five games at Rogers Place.
- The Kings have lost the third period in each of their last four games as underdogs.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Kings’ last seven games.
Edmonton Oilers vs LA Kings Prediction
Edmonton did exactly what they wanted to do in game one, and they will look to turn game two into a shootout as well. The Oilers have so much offensive talent, so they prefer a fast paced game with plenty of goals, instead of a low scoring game with minimal chances. LA was very good defensively all season, but I don’t see how they are going to stop the Oilers, especially at home. Edmonton was 28-9-4 at home during the regular season and I think their offensive attack is too good for LA. My Edmonton Oilers vs LA Kings prediction is an Oilers win by at least two goals.