In today’s betting guide, the Los Angeles Kings host the Edmonton Oilers before their likely first-round matchup, while the Calgary Flames visit the San Jose Sharks looking for a win.
Los Angeles Kings (+105) vs Edmonton Oilers (-130)
The Kings and Oilers match up in what is a likely first-round series this postseason. The Oilers just passed the Kings after winning their fifth game in a row and second consecutive on the road after suffering five straight defeats. This is the third and final game of a California road trip on which the Oilers have outscored the previous two by a combined score of 8-2.
Mike Smith has used these past couple of games to get his confidence and game back just in time, stopping 62 of 64 shots and assisting on the game-winner two nights ago in San Jose. The Kings have kept going back to Cal Petersen of late, but he’s been inconsistent. Their team is very banged up, especially on the back end where they’re missing Drew Doughty, Mikey Anderson, and Matt Roy.
The Kings haven’t strung more than two wins in a row together in a month, while the Oilers are riding their third five-game win streak under Jay Woodcroft. The Oilers currently have the advantage, winning two of the previous three games already this season and should take the final of the season series with how they’ve been firing on all cylinders. Go with the Oilers with solid value and the under (U6.5, -115) since the goaltending has stepped up and Leon Draisaitl may be a game-time decision.
San Jose Sharks (+190) vs Calgary Flames (-250)
The Flames are on the same type of road trip as the Oilers and have won the first two of the trip as well against the Kings and the Anaheim Ducks. The Sharks should come as a decently difficult opponent after a game last night. This means backup Dan Vladar should get the start. He’s not as good or consistent as Jacob Markstrom so the Flames will likely have to score a few goals to come out on top. Luckily for them, they are the seventh-highest scoring team in the league.
The Sharks have lost four in a row and struggled a bit to score goals and stop pucks. I expect the losing streak to hit five after the Flames visit since they have silently become one of the best road teams in the league. Known for their home record and streak they went on earlier in the season, that has subsided while they have been piling up the wins on the road. The Sharks have had the Flames’ number this season, winning all three in regulation. It’s unlikely one of the league’s top teams will be swept in a four-game series, so take the Flames and the over (O6.5, -105).
Odds via Yahoo and BetMGM.
