Following a Game 4 in which the Edmonton Oilers pulled out an overtime win over the Kings, this NHL Stanley Cup Playoff series now heads back to Los Angeles for a pivotal Game 5. Tonight’s outcome almost certainly swings the tide of this first-round series as Game 5 winners advance to the next round over 70% of the time in NHL playoff history.
Will Connor McDavid and the Oilers steal a game on the road, or will Adrian Kempe’s Kings continue their commanding run of home-ice wins? Find out with this Kings vs. Oilers prediction and pick for Game 5.
Kings vs. Oilers Game 5 prediction, pick
As usual when they’re on their home ice, the Kings enter Tuesday night’s action as -125 favorites on the Moneyline. They’re listed at +190 odds to cover the -1.5 puck line, while the Oilers are +105 Moneyline underdogs at -230 to cover the +1.5 spread.
Despite jumping out to a 2-0 series lead in their home games, the Kings have fallen short over Games 3 and 4 to allow the Oilers back into the running. While Game 3 was a 7-4 blowout, Game 4 was much more competitive and ended with just minutes to go in overtime as the Oilers claimed a 4-3 win.
Over the course of the regular season, the Kings dominated opponents when playing at home thanks to an imposing defense and stellar performances by goaltender Darcy Kuemper. However, the veteran hasn’t played well through his two home games in this series with an .863 SV% and 3.50 GAA. Instead, the Los Angeles offense has bailed the team out across some high-scoring contests with 12 goals in those two home contests. Adrian Kempe actually leads all skaters in points production this postseason and boasts an impressive seven points in the Kings’ home playoff wins.
However, the Oilers have captured the momentum after ripping off two straight wins. Winning in Los Angeles is a very difficult proposition, but now that they’re showing signs of their old selves, Edmonton once again feels like a threat to advance past the first round. If Kuemper regains his prior form, the Kings should be just fine tonight and take a 3-2 lead. Still, it feels as though the energy has shifted in this series, especially after the Oilers’ come-from-behind win in Game 4.
With that in mind, we’re bucking the trend and taking the underdog to steal a game from under the Kings’ noses in Los Angeles. Watch for the Oilers to win this one as Kuemper struggles to regain his confidence following his recent slide.
Best bet: Edmonton Oilers Moneyline (+105)
