This betting preview focuses on Pacific Division teams in a dogfight for the two divisional spots up for grabs. It features three of the primary teams in competition.
Edmonton Oilers (-225) vs New Jersey Devils (+180)
The Edmonton Oilers are looking to sweep a five-game homestand for the first time since 1987. After getting revenge on two non-playoffs teams in the Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres in the past two games, they look to finish off the New Jersey Devils and take the second game this season.
The Oilers have won four in a row and are firing on all cylinders. Their depth has stepped up and they have gotten offensive contributions from many players not named Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The Devils have lost two in a row to the other Western Canadian teams both 6-3 and their current starter Nico Daws has been pulled in back-to-back games. This game shouldn’t play much differently, as the Devils continue to struggle to keep pucks out of their net and the Oilers keep on scoring. Take the Oilers money line and over (O6.5, -115) and even consider a puck line if you’re feeling lucky (+105).
Vegas Golden Knights (-135) vs Los Angeles Kings (+110)
The Vegas Golden Knights just recently snapped their five-game losing streak with a victory over the Florida Panthers in what seemed like a must-win. The Los Angeles Kings are not to be forgotten, as they sit in second place in the division separated by four points. They also have the sixth-best away record in the NHL and have been playing average hockey over the past week or so.
Don’t expect the Golden Knights to just snap out of their troubles because they got one win. They are still missing key players like Mark Stone, Max Pacioretty, Robin Lehner, Alec Martinez, Brayden McNabb, Nic Hague, and possibly Jack Eichel. The Kings have a number of injuries as well, but not as significant as what the Golden Knights expect to have out of their lineup. The Kings have great value here playing a slumping team that is banged up. Go with them and consider taking the under (U6, -110) since there are not a lot of players who are known to score taking the ice this afternoon.
Odds via Yahoo and BetMGM.
