NHL Playoffs Game 7 Odds, Preview, Prediction: Kings vs. Oilers (May 14)

Kings vs. Oilers Game 7 Odds

The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings conclude a trifecta of Game 7s on Saturday night with their winner-take-all finale. The Oilers blew a two-goal lead in the second half of Game 6, only to score with just over five minutes to go in regulation to retake the lead.

An empty netter in the waning moments sealed the deal, forcing the series back to Edmonton for the decisive contest. At times, the Kings have neutralized a potent Oilers attack, but overall they have appeared overwhelmed trying to keep Connor McDavid and company in check.

It could all come crashing down Saturday night at Rogers Place.

Can the Kings Limit Scoring Chances?

Eight of the Kings' 12 goals at five-on-five have come in two contests. L.A. managed four goals in Games 1 and 5, recording just four tallies across the four other contests. It's conceivable that the Kings could get past the Oilers with limited scoring; however, they haven't shown the defensive resolve to limit Edmonton's persistent attack.

L.A. has allowed 11 or more high-danger chances in five straight games, with a rolling average of 14.4. Porous coverage is leading to increased goals against, with the Kings allowing four or more goals in all but one of those contests. What's reflected in that is Jonathan Quick's inability to limit the Oilers' top scorers.

Most goalies toting around an 89.3% save percentage and 3.66 goals-against average don't have a 3-3-0 record to go with it, but that's been the case with Quick through the first six games of the series.

Although the Kings have done well to out-shoot the Oilers, they continue to allow a concerning amount of quality chances, negatively impacting Quick's metrics. Those metrics could suffer further in Game 7, as the Oilers can deploy their top line under ideal circumstances with the benefit of last change.

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The Oilers Offense Has Been Sensational

McDavid is almost single-handedly carrying the Oilers' offense through the first round. The two-time Hart Trophy winner has been on the ice for 18 of Edmonton's 25 goals, recording points on 12 of those.

L.A. hasn't had an answer for McDavid, allowing an on-ice shooting percentage of 16.1% across all strengths. Those metrics should persist, with McDavid getting ideal line matchups at home on Saturday night.

Still, this postseason, the Oilers' scoring depth has been much more impressive than in seasons past. This postseason, Edmonton has 11 different goal scorers with 14 different multi-point skaters.

Evander Kane has been a primary contributor, with a team-best seven goals; Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Zach Hyman are among the other players with two or more goals. Even if the Kings find a way of limiting McDavid, the Oilers can turn to several different players and line combinations to get past the Kings.

If the offensive wells run dry, the Oilers also possess the x-factor in net. The ageless wonder Mike Smith has piggybacked his teammates at times throughout the postseason, coming up with timely saves to keep the Oilers in games.

Smith made several key stops late in Game 6 to keep the matchup knotted at 2-2, buying time for his team to regain the lead. Edmonton needs another strong performance from Smith, but so far, he's answered the bell.

Kings vs. Oilers Pick

The Oilers' best chance at winning is forcing the Kings to play their brand of hockey.

Edmonton's offense is flowing right now, averaging 4.2 goals per game, and they have the metrics to back up sustained output. They also possess the advantage in net, with Smith outplaying Quick through the first six games of this series.

The price continues to shift in Edmonton's direction, and we're on board with the line movement. Edmonton closed as -230 favorites in Game 5, so anything better than that is worth playing on Saturday.

Pick: Oilers -222