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Kings vs. Oilers prediction and odds for NHL playoffs Game 2

By Iain MacMillan |
Apr 17, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse battles with Los Angeles Kings centre Quinton Byfield (55) as Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner (74) defends during the second period in game one of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2023; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse battles with Los Angeles Kings centre Quinton Byfield (55) as Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner (74) defends during the second period in game one of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Kings pulled off a 3rd period comeback in Game 1 against the Edmonton Oilers, and now hold a 1-0 lead in their Pacific Division first round series.

No, you’re not experiencing déjà vu, the Kings also won by a final score of 4-3 in Game 1 of last year’s first round playoff series between these two teams. The Oilers followed it up with a dominant Game 2 win, 6-0.

Will we see history repeat itself again tonight or can the Kings take a 2-0 series lead back to Los Angeles?

Let’s dive into the odds for the game and then I’ll give you my best bet.

Kings vs. Oilers odds, puck line, and total

Kings vs. Oilers prediction and pick

I’m sticking to what I said ahead of Game 1 of this series. The Oilers are completely overvalued in this series and as a result, the Kings are being undervalued from a betting perspective.

Despite winning Game 1, the Kings are even bigger underdogs in Game 2. If the odds had shortened, I may swing the other way and bet on the Oilers, but they were +170 in Game 1 and now as high as +192 in Game 2.

To be fair, there’s a reason for this.

The Oilers dominated 5-on-5 play in Game 1, outperforming the Kings in expected goals by a final count of 3.46-1.87. They also outshot them in 5-on-5 play, 36-21.

But, is a one game sample size enough to move the odds this much? I don’t think so. The Kings were able to win a game they probably didn’t deserve to, but that confidence may lead to a better performance tonight.

The odds on Los Angeles are too good to pass up. I think we’re in for another close contest tonight.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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