The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings face off tonight in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the fourth straight year. The Oilers have won the last three matchups, but this could be the year that the Kings defend their throne.
However, my Oilers vs. Kings predictions are targeting Leon Draisaitl to find the back of the net as our best NHL picks on Monday, April 21.
Who will win Oilers vs Kings Game 1?
The Los Angeles Kings had one of the best home-ice advantages in the league this season. They went 31-6-4 at home as opposed to 17-19-5 on the road.
The Edmonton Oilers had a decent road record at 23-16-2, but they’re also better at home at 25-13-3.
Edmonton is coming into the playoffs a bit beat up with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl nursing injuries, and will be without top defenseman Mattias Ekholm for the entire series on top of that.
The Oilers are favored in the series, but look for the Kings to get the job done on home ice in Game 1.
Oilers vs Kings prediction
My Oilers pick: Leon Draisaitl anytime goal (+140 at BET99)
Draisaitl won the Rocket Richard Trophy with 52 goals in just 71 games. He missed a few games at the end of March, then came back to score three goals in as many contests, including a two-goal effort in his first game back.
The Oilers forward missed the final seven games of the season, but Draisaitl is ready to go for Game 1 of the playoffs.
He was in a similar position last year with an injury that could’ve kept him out of at least Game 1, and it was surprising when he was in warmups. He went on to put up a goal and assist in Edmonton’s series-opening win. In total, Draisaitl scored five goals in that five-game series against the Kings last year.
Draisaitl scored in 42 of 71 games this season (59%), and while the Kings are one of the stingier defenses in the league, there should be rough stuff on both sides and power plays as well. I’ll take Draisaitl to score at these plus odds in nearly any situation.
Oilers vs Kings same-game parlay (SGP)
Leon Draisaitl anytime goal
Kings moneyline
Over 5.5
The Kings come into the playoffs pretty hot. They lost their final meaningless game of the season 5-1, but had won four straight before that with at least five goals in each contest.
Both teams have trended toward the Under this season, but we’re getting plus-money odds on an Over 5.5, and we saw a 7-4 final in Game 1 last season.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Check back soon for our same-game parlay!
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Oilers vs Kings odds
Oilers vs Kings live odds
Oilers vs Kings opening odds
- Puck line: Edmonton +1.5 (-270) | Los Angeles -1.5 (+220)
- Moneyline: Edmonton -110 | Los Angeles -110
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 (+100) | Under 5.5 (-120)
Oilers vs Kings trend
The Los Angeles Kings have hit the Moneyline in 31 of their last 43 games at home (+11.25 Units / 15% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends for Oilers vs. Kings.
How to watch Oilers vs Kings
| Location | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Monday, 4-21-2025 |
| Puck drop | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Sportsnet, ESPN2 |
Oilers vs Kings latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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