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Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers prediction, pick for Game 1 of NHL Playoffs

Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers prediction, pick for Game 1 of NHL Playoffs

Sports Betting Picks NHL DraftKings Network

Updated:

By: Keagan Smith

Tonight, the NHL’s top duo takes the ice on the road to kick off the Edmonton Oilers’ first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings. This matchup is something of a yearly staple in the NHL as these teams clash for the fourth consecutive postseason, but might the scales tip in the Kings’ favor for the first time in round four of this Stanley Cup Playoffs tradition?

Ahead of the 10 p.m. EST puck drop for tonight’s Kings vs. Oilers series opener, here’s a prediction and best bet for how the game will go.

Kings vs. Oilers Game 1 prediction, pick

On DraftKings Sportsbook, the Kings are actually favored to open the series with a win at -130 odds on the Moneyline tonight. Somewhere, a voice asks, “But why, aren’t they up against Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl?” Indeed they are, mysterious disembodied voice… and it does not matter.

The Kings are the NHL’s deadliest team when playing at home this season with an impressive 31-6-4 record. They may not have a superstar on the ice like the Oilers do, but the environment in Crypto.com Arena is a rowdy one and the team parlays that energy into an advantage. Los Angeles plays a physical brand of hockey their opponent isn’t necessarily prepared to face. If the Kings lay enough hits early and often, they can wear Edmonton out and win this game — and the series, too.

The Kings also have a very, very hot goalie. Darcy Kuemper’s save percentage across the last two months sits at .939 while boasting an amazing 1.45 goals-against average. The red light behind him stays dark, but Kuemper himself appears ablaze over this hot streak. Across the ice, Stuart Skinner is on no such streak with a save percentage below .900. The Kings’ advantage in goal is clear.

Sure, the Oilers’ firepower takes over games, but against a Kings defense which allowed the second-fewest goals per game this season anchored by a hot goalie, Los Angeles might just start this series off with a bang. Kings Moneyline at -130 odds is a solid pick, but over 24.5 saves for Kuemper looks appealing at -120 odds, too. The latter holds appeal as tonight’s best bet.

Best bet: Darcy Kuemper over 24.5 saves

Keagan Smith
Keagan Smith
Keagan is a Texas-based editor and analyst who believes sports are the true eighth wonder of the world. After starting out in local media, he’s provided coverage for DraftKings Network since 2024. He gravitates toward football, hoops and hockey, but is happy to watch and write about any game that involves a ball or a puck. While his own athletic career ended in middle school, he’s also an avid fantasy player with a soft spot for dynasty formats, spending countless hours crafting the ever-elusive perfect squad.
Disclaimer

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.