NHL Betting: Oilers vs Kings First Round Game 1 – 05/02/22

The first-round matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings kicks off as we look at the moneyline, over/under, and player props for this game.

Edmonton Oilers (-190) vs Los Angeles Kings (+155)

The Oilers enter Game 1 of their series with the Kings extremely hot. They have won three in a row and seven of the past eight games even while resting players in the final two. The Oilers also start at home where they have been lights out and seemingly unbeatable lately. They are on a 14-0-1 run in their own building and the first game of the playoffs will only elevate the play and intensity of the crowd.

Mike Smith Edmonton Oilers
Mike Smith, Edmonton Oilers (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

The Oilers finished the season series 3-1 in games while taking the final three matchups. The Kings weren’t doing too bad themselves before the regular season ended as they posted a five-game win streak before dropping the final game in overtime. They are just 3-2-1 in their final six games on the road but generally are one of the better teams away from home with 23 wins. They will have to find a way to break through on Mike Smith and the Oilers as they are one of the hottest teams in the NHL with a ton of confidence. With the record Edmonton has at home, take them to kick off the series with a win at home while betting the under (U6, +100) in a likely goaltending duel.

Player Props

Leon Draisaitl – Points (Over 1.5, +165)

Leon Draisaitl may be best remembered in Edmonton for his outstanding playoff performance back in 2016-17 when he recorded six goals and 16 points in 13 playoff games before he was even a point per game player in the NHL. Now that he has two 50-goal, 100-point seasons under his belt, the ceiling has raised significantly for him in the postseason. Through three career playoffs, he has recorded 11 goals and 27 points in 21 games.

Leon Draisaitl Edmonton Oilers
Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

The Oilers are at home where they’ve been unstoppable, while Draisaitl continues to add goals and points under the radar since there are a number of players who have had career years. He finished off his season on a five-game point streak and had five goals and nine points in his final eight games. There’s no reason to think he won’t step up when games matter again.

Phillip Danault – Assists (Over 0.5, +280)

Phillip Danault has been a factor in three of the four games. He has recorded a goal and two assists in close-fought games between the two teams. His assists each came in the final two games of the season series where he is a threat at even strength, up a man, or down a man.

He has stepped up in terms of goals this season, but he can still pass the puck, and the second line that he centres is underrated with Trevor Moore and Viktor Arvidsson beside him. They can both put the puck in the back of the net, which makes this a good bet for Danault to get on the scoresheet with an assist.

Odds via Yahoo and BetMGM.

The Hockey Writers & THWBets promotes responsible gaming, and provides this content as opinion and analysis with no guarantees or assurances.
For more information about responsible gambling, including help for problem gambling behaviour, please visit these great resource pages:
If you’re in Canada, Rogers Sports & Media has put together a great information and resources page.
If you’re in the United States, MGMResorts has a great page for gambling problem resources.

Leave a Comment