Two clubs that split their season series (two games apiece) last year, the Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers clash at Rogers Place. This Pacific Division matchup gets going at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, December 6, and it’ll be broadcasted live on Sportsnet West.
Los Angeles Kings at Edmonton Oilers Odds
Los Angeles (+150) is playing the role of underdog to Edmonton (-170) and the oddsmakers have put the Over/Under (O/U) at 6 goals. The odds for betting that total sit at -110 money on the over and -110 on the under.
Earning 4.0 units for moneyline bettors, the Oilers are 17-13 straight up (SU) overall this year. That win percentage, ranked first in the Pacific Division so far this season, is a surprising turnaround from how the team performed during the 2018-19 season (35-47). Through 30 regular season outings, 15 of the team’s games have gone over the total, while 14 have gone under and just one has pushed. The team is 7-6 SU at home this season.
Edmonton comes into the matchup with the second-strongest power-play unit in the NHL, as it has scored on 31.0 percent of their extra-man chances this season. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked third overall, and it’s successfully killed off 86.3 percent of all penalties.
Edmonton, as a collective unit, has been penalized 3.6 times per game overall this season, 3.8 per game over its last five contests total, and 3.6 per game over its last five home outings. The team’s had to kill penalties for just 7.8 minutes per contest over its last five home games.
With a .917 save percentage and 27.2 saves per game, Mikko Koskinen (10-7-2) has been the best goalkeeper for the Oilers this season. If they, however, decide to give him a breather, head coach Dave Tippett could turn to Mike Smith (7-9-9 record, .905 save percentage, 2.88 goals against average).
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will each look to continue their strong seasons for the Oilers. McDavid (51 points) has tallied 19 goals and 32 assists and has recorded multiple points in 14 different games this year. Draisaitl has 18 goals and 33 assists to his credit and has notched at least one point in 24 games.
Los Angeles has lost 4.8 units for bettors taking the moneyline this year and is currently 11-18 straight up (SU). Through 29 regular season contests, 15 of its games have gone under the total, while 12 have gone over and just two have pushed. Los Angeles’ 2-11 SU as the visiting team this season.
Los Angeles has converted on just 11.2 percent of its power play opportunities this season, a mark that places it in the bottom- overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 28th overall and it’s successfully killed off 75.3 percent of all opponent power plays.
Los Angeles’ skaters have been penalized 3.3 times per game this season, and 2.5 per game over their last ten match ups. The team’s had to stave off opponent power plays just 5.0 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Jonathan Quick (.883 save percentage and 3.29 goals against average) has been the primary option in goal for Los Angeles. Quick is averaging 24.7 saves per game and owns a 7-12-1 record.
For the visiting Kings, the offense will be facilitated through Anze Kopitar, who’s got 17 assists and 10 goals this year.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers Betting Predictions
Free NHL Tip: SU Winner – Oilers, O/U – Over
Betting Notes
- For both of these teams, the over has hit in three of their past five matches.
- The Kings have averaged the league’s fourth-most shots on goal (34.3) and Edmonton has attempted just the 30th-most (28.8).
- Six of Los Angeles’ last ten games have been decided by two goals or more. The team is 2-4 in those games.
- Los Angeles skaters notched 23.3 hits per game last season, while the Oilers forced 26.7 hits per contest.
