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The Edmonton Oilers (4-0-1) and Los Angeles Kings (0-2-2) will meet in the NHL tonight. Puck drop is set for 10:30 p.m. EDT at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
The Oilers are favored at -135 on the moneyline, with the Kings at +115 to pull off the upset. The over/under is set at 6.5 (+105o / -125u).
Let's get into our Oilers vs. Kings predictions and NHL picks.
Oilers vs. Kings Prediction
Our Edmonton vs. Los Angeles best bets are the Oilers moneyline and Vasily Podkolzin to score, with the best odds currently available at FanDuel. For all of your NHL bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NHL odds page.
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Oilers vs Kings Odds
| Oilers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +194 | 6.5 106o / -130u | -132 |
| Kings Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -245 | 6.5 106o / -130u | +110 |
- Oilers vs. Kings puck line: Oilers -1.5 (+185), Kings +1.5 (-227)
- Oilers vs. Kings over/under: 6.5 (+105o / -125u)
- Oilers vs. Kings moneyline: Oilers -135, Kings +115
- Oilers vs. Kings best bets: Oilers ML (-132) | Vasily Podkolzin Anytime Goal Scorer (+230)| Parlay odds: +494
Oilers vs. Kings Preview
Edmonton’s top line is on a tear to start the season, generating 4.01 expected goals per 60 minutes with an 80% expected goal share, according to MoneyPuck.
There was some wait-and-see on Mike Babcock’s decision to slot Vasily Podkolzin alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, given how well Zach Hyman had played in that role. So far, the move has worked remarkably well, with Podkolzin scoring five goals and finding the net in every game but one.
With Hyman and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins sidelined, Babcock seems more inclined to keep McDavid and Draisaitl together, and Podkolzin is the biggest beneficiary. He also has a spot on the top power-play unit and spends much of his time parked in front of the net, cashing in on the chances McDavid and Draisaitl create. As long as he stays in that role, I’ll keep finding ways to bet him.
On top of that, the Oilers have quieted much of the chatter after a letdown loss to the Canucks in the opener and a 9-7 escape against Vancouver in its second game.
Edmonton is coming off probably its most complete performance of the season, a 3-1 win over San Jose that it dominated from start to finish. The Oilers have allowed just four goals over the last three games, which defense is always going to be a talking point with this team, and both Devon Levi and Tristan Jarry have handled their starts well.
Mattias Ekholm and Evan Bouchard have been one of the league’s best defensive pairings, allowing 0.83 expected goals against per 60 minutes, and the Ryan Shea–Connor Murphy pair has played well since being placed together.
The Kings are still searching for their first win, and I don’t see it coming here. Los Angeles has played two close games against solid teams, losing 2-1 to both Vegas and Florida, but ranks 27th in both expected goals for and expected goals against. Edmonton is still banged up but keeps finding ways to win, and fairly convincingly at that.
I’ll take the nice road discount at -125.
Best Bets: Oilers ML (-132) | Vasily Podkolzin Anytime Goal Scorer (+230)| Parlay odds: +494
