If you give up three power-play goals – two to the NHL’s goal-scoring leader Connor McDavid – and still win the game, you have to feel pretty good about yourself.
That’s the position the Vegas Golden Knights are in after taking down the Edmonton Oilers 4-3 Friday in Nevada.
The Golden Knights can finish off the series Sunday in Edmonton with another total team effort, and Game 6 gives us plenty of great opportunities for best bets.
Golden Knights vs Oilers Odds • Game 6
NHL odds used for these best bets are current as of Saturday, May 13, at 6:00 p.m. ET and were found at Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Oilers (-190) • Golden Knights (+158)
- Puck Line: Oilers -1.5 (+122) • Golden Knights +1.5 (-145)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 6.5 (-135) • Under 6.5 (+115)
Golden Knights vs Oilers Prediction • Game 6
Oilers 4, Golden Knights 3
As I mentioned in the series preview, this was always going to be a battle between the Oilers’ high-wattage stars versus the Golden Knights’ balanced attack.
So far, balance is carrying the day, as again in Game 5, four different Golden Knights lit the lamp against the disappointing Stuart Skinner, who once again got yanked.
Obviously, Edmonton has to have this one to continue their season, and I expect the Oilers to take a close game at home.
Golden Knights vs Oilers Best Bets • Game 6
Over 6.5 Goals (-135) • Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 unit
The Oilers have a big decision to make in Game 6, stick with Skinner, or put their season in the hands of Jack Campbell.
Skinner has had flashes of brilliance in the postseason, he was strong in both Game 2 and Game 4 of this series.
But overall, the rookie goaltender has a goals-against average of 3.52 and a save percentage of .890, both decidedly worse than his regular season totals.
Campbell has played well in three relief opportunities in the playoffs but hasn’t gotten a start yet.
With the Over/Under now back at 6.5 goals, I once again like the Over as my NHL bet of the day.
Golden Knights +1.5 (-145) • Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 unit
The Golden Knights are one win away from a date in the Western Conference Finals, and you never want to play a Game 7 unless you have to.
Adin Hill has played pretty well for Vegas in the series. He stopped the first 28 shots he faced in the series in relief in Games 2 and 3. Hill was shaky in Game 4 but played well enough to get Vegas the win in Game 5.
I expect Vegas to keep this one very close. The Golden Knights may win outright, but either way, they will cover the Puck Line, so I am taking Vegas to cover in this one.
Golden Knights vs Oilers Game 5 Preview
The Edmonton Oilers did what they had to do in Game 4, dictating the play on the way to a 4-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights at home.
The Oilers now head to Vegas tied at two in the series with the Golden Knights, with Game 5 Friday night in Sin City.
This pivotal Game 5 gives us plenty of outstanding opportunities for Golden Knights vs Oilers bets.
Golden Knights vs Oilers Game 5 Odds
NHL odds used for these best bets are current as of Thursday, May 11, as of 3 p.m. ET, and were found at Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Oilers (-130) • Golden Knights (+110)
- Puck Line: Oilers -1.5 (+180) • Golden Knights +1.5 (-220)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 7 (+115) • Under 7 (-135)
Golden Knights vs Oilers Game 5 Prediction
Oilers 4, Golden Knights 3
The Oilers finally got some production from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who has been essentially missing for the entire playoffs so far. Nugent-Hopkins scored his first goal of the postseason and added an assist in the victory.
Stuart Skinner continued his yo-yo ride against the Golden Knights. He was great in Game 2, yanked after a period and a half in Game 3, and outstanding again in Game 4.
Golden Knights vs Oilers Game 5 Best Bets
Under 7 Goals (-135) • Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 0.5 Units
Adin Hill gave up four goals on 33 shots in his first career playoff start Wednesday night. Hill is a better netminder than the recently injured Laurent Brossoit, who is day-to-day with a leg injury.
Skinner has been up and down in the playoffs, but has played well in two of the last three games.
I like the Under in this one as my NHL bet of the day.
Golden Knights +1.5 (-220) • Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 0.5 Units
This has been an extremely back-and-forth series, with neither team able to sustain any kind of momentum.
Game 4 got chippy in the third period with the score out of hand. More than 100 penalty minutes were handed out in the game.
Vegas taking penalties only benefits the Oilers and their outstanding power play, so the Golden Knights will have to rein in some of the aggression Friday night.
I see Vegas keeping this one much closer than Game 4, as it tends to bounce back well at home. It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise to see it win outright, so I like the Vegas puck line here.
Golden Knights vs Oilers Game 4 Preview
When opportunities arise in the NHL playoffs you must capitalize on them because you never know when they will come around again.
For example, in Game 3 on Monday night, the Edmonton Oilers were tied with the Vegas Golden Knights 1-1 in the first period when Vegas goaltender Laurent Brossoit went down with an injury. Instead of exploiting Vegas backup Adin Hill in goal, the Oilers were outscored 4-0 the rest of the way in a 5-1 loss at home.
Game 4 will undoubtedly provide more opportunities for both these teams to take advantage of, and for us, as bettors, to pounce on.
Let’s take a look at some best bets and predictions for Wednesday night’s Golden Knights vs Oilers matchup.
Golden Knights vs. Oilers Odds • Game 4
Lines used for these best bets are current as of Tuesday, May 9, at 7:00 p.m. ET and were found at Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Oilers (-195) • Golden Knights (+162)
- Puck Line: Oilers -1.5 (+122) • Golden Knights +1.5 (-145)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 7.0 (+110) • Under 7.0 (-130)
Golden Knights vs. Oilers Prediction • Game 4
Oilers 4, Golden Knights 2
For the first time in the series, Leon Draisaitl was held off the scoresheet entirely. Connor McDavid continues to be a missing man in the playoffs at even strength, with as many shorthanded goals in the postseason (1) as he has 5-on-5.
This is also a must-win for Edmonton, who can’t afford to go back to Vegas down 3-1. Expect Draisaitl, McDavid, and co. to get their act together in Game 4.
Golden Knights vs. Oilers Best Bets • Game 4
Under 7 Total Goals (-130) • Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
For the first time in the series, the Over/Under has been set at 7 goals, likely because we could see Hill face off against Jack Campbell in Game 4. Campbell relieved the inconsistent Stuart Skinner in Game 3, giving up one goal on 10 shots.
Hill struggled in his only game against the Oilers this season, a 4-3 overtime loss in November, and Campbell beat the Golden Knights by the same 4-3 score in January.
I believe both will be better in Game 4, and for the first time all series I like the Under.
Oilers -1.5 (+122) • Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Edmonton has to win this one, or their season is likely to come to a premature end.
Oilers head coach Jay Woodcroft knows his team wasn’t very good in Game 3, especially where puck possession was concerned.
Edmonton has to start getting production from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Nugent-Hopkins finished ninth in the NHL in points this season, but against the Golden Knights he has just two power-play assists in three games.
For the playoffs, the talented center has no goals and six assists in nine games. He and the rest of the Oilers have to be better in Game 4, and I expect they will dictate the pace of play as they did in their Game 2 win.
Golden Knights vs Oilers Game 3 Preview
In our preview of this series between the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers, we talked about how it is a battle between the Oilers’ high-wattage stars and Vegas’ depth of scoring options.
In Game 1, depth won the day, but in Game 2, the stars came out as Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid took over in a 5-1 Oilers win.
Game 3 brings us many interesting opportunities in our Golden Knights vs Oilers bets as the scene shifts to Alberta.
Golden Knights vs. Oilers Odds • Game 3
Lines used for these best bets are current as of Sunday, May 7, at 9 a.m.ET and were found at Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Oilers (-180) • Golden Knights (+152)
- Puck Line: Oilers -1.5 (+140) • Golden Knights +1.5 (-165)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 6.5 (-135) • Under 6.5 (+115)
Golden Knights vs. Oilers Prediction • Game 3
Oilers 4, Golden Knights 3
Draisaitl looks unstoppable right now. The German forward has 13 goals in his 8 postseason games this year, six of them on the powerplay.
Draisaitl has scored in each postseason game this year, with the exception of Game 3 against the Kings, a 3-2 loss.
McDavid has five postseason goals this year but still has only one at even strength. In Game 2 against Vegas, he cashed in with a shorthanded goal and one on the power play.
Golden Knights vs. Oilers Best Bets • Game 3
Over 6.5 Goals (-135) • Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 unit
The one thing that’s been consistent about these two teams between the pipes is their inconsistency.
Vegas’ Laurent Brossoit was the one yanked this time, pulled after giving up five goals on 32 shots in the first two periods. Adin Hill stopped all four shots he faced, but by then, Edmonton had taken their foot off the gas.
The Oilers’ Stuart Skinner was markedly better in Game 2, stopping 30 of 31 shots. The only goal he allowed was a third-period marker by the sudden offensive machine Ivan Barbashev who has four goals in seven games this postseason.
But as good as Skinner was in Game 2, he’s still sporting a 3.32 goals-against average and a save percentage of .895 for the postseason, not exactly inspiring numbers.
Expect another high-scoring game and taking the Over in Game 3.
Golden Knights +1.5 (-165) • Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 unit
Vegas dictated the play in Game 1 but got away from their game in the second contest, allowing the league’s best power play too many chances with the man advantage.
Vegas has plenty of weapons, but there’s not much you can do when you’re down 5-0.
I expect the Golden Knights to keep this one much closer than Game 2, losing the game but covering.
Golden Knights vs Oilers Game 2 Preview
Leon Draisaitl did everything he could.
The German forward lit the lamp four times in Game 1 against Vegas, but the Golden Knights still came out on top 6-4.
The two teams combined for five goals in the first and third periods in a wildly entertaining game.
After a one-day delay due, the two teams are back in action Saturday night in Sin City.
With 10 goals in Game 1 and plenty more expected in Game 2, there are ample opportunities for bettors in our Golden Knights vs. Oilers best bets.
Golden Knights vs Oilers Odds • Game 2
Hockey lines used for these best bets are current as of Friday, May 5, at 4 p.m. ET and were found at Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Oilers (-125) • Golden Knights (+105)
- Puck Line: Golden Knights +1.5 (-235) • Oilers -1.5 (+192)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 6.5 (-135) • Under 6.5 (+115)
Golden Knights vs Oilers Prediction • Game 2
Oilers 5, Golden Knights 4
Draisaitl is making a case that he, and not teammate Connor McDavid, is the best player in the world, with 11 goals and 15 points in seven postseason games this year.
McDavid has to contribute more at 5-on-5. He only has one goal at even strength in the postseason, although he did pick up an even-strength assist in Game 1.
McDavid has 12 points in the playoffs but only three goals – eight fewer than Draisaitl.
Golden Knights vs. Oilers Best Bets • Game 2
Oilers ML (-125) • Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 unit
In the series preview, I talked about how this would be a battle between Edmonton’s high-wattage stars against the offensive depth of the Golden Knights.
In Game 1, depth carried the day. Vegas got goals from five different players,
including the resurgent captain Mark Stone.
Draisaitl can’t do it all, but I expect a better effort from Edmonton in Game 2. Take the Oilers to steal a road victory.
Over 6.5 Total Goals (-135) • Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 unit
Edmonton goaltender Stuart Skinner simply has to be better for the Oilers to win. The Calder Trophy finalist put up another dud Wednesday night. Skinner allowed five goals and put up a save percentage of just .848.
Vegas netminder Laurent Brossoit wasn’t much better. His .852 save percentage in Game 1 came with just 23 saves.
Neither of these goaltenders is very hot right now, and both offenses are. I expect another high-scoring, freewheeling game, which is why I am taking the Over in this one.
Golden Knights vs Oilers Game 1 Preview
The Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers meet in a battle of high-wattage stars against a balanced squad that put up the most points in the Western Conference.
It’s a matchup worthy of the conference final. Instead, we get to enjoy this outstanding series one round early.
This series should be a high-scoring matchup and a prime opportunity to place some wagers. Red on for our Golden Knights vs Oilers Game 1 predictions and best bets.
Golden Knights vs Oilers Odds • Game 1
Hockey betting information used for these best bets is current as of Tuesday, May 2, at 8:00 p.m. ET, and was found at Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Oilers (-115) • Golden Knights (-105)
- Puck Line: Oilers -1.5 (+210) • Golden Knights +1.5 (-260)
- Total Goals Scored: Over 6.5 (-115) • Under 6.5 (-115)
Golden Knights vs Oilers Prediction • Game 1
Oilers 5, Golden Knights 3
The Edmonton Oilers had three 100-point scorers this season – Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
Vegas’ leading scorer was Jack Eichel, who had 66 points. In fact, McDavid had more points on the power play this season (71) than Eichel had at even strength.
Edmonton scored on 32.4% of their power plays this season, the highest total since the NHL started tracking this figure. The Oilers were even better in their first-round matchup against the Kings, potting 56.3 of their goals with a man advantage.
Considering that this game could very well be won or lost on special teams, we’ll take the squad with the extreme power-play advantage.
Golden Knights vs Oilers Best Bets • Game 1
Over 6.5 Total Goals (-115) • Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Neither team has an outstanding goaltender. Vegas’ Laurent Brossoit struggled in the Game 1 first-round loss to the Jets, giving up four goals on 30 shots.
He bounced back by Game 5, allowing just one goal on 30 shots, but the 30-year old doesn’t have a lot of playoff experience, with his five starts in the Jets series being the only five starts he’s had in his postseason career.
Edmonton’s Stuart Skinner was even worse in the Oilers’ Game 4 win over the Kings, getting yanked after giving up three goals in the first period. For the series, Skinner had a goals-against average of 3.43 and a save percentage of .890.
There should be plenty of goals in this series, especially with Edmonton’s high-powered attack, so I am taking the Over as my NHL bet of the day.
Oilers Moneyline (-115) • Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Oilers went 3-1 in the regular season against the Golden Knights, including a 7-4 win over Vegas on March 28 in Sin City.
Edmonton has the stronger roster and has been getting outstanding play from Draisaitl, who had seven goals and 11 points in the six-game series against the Kings.
The Oilers should win this one with an empty-net goal to seal it, so I am taking the Edmonton moneyline.
Golden Knights vs Oilers Series Preview
The Pacific Division sees its two best teams meet up in Round 2 of the NHL playoffs, starting Wednesday night in Las Vegas.
The Vegas Golden Knights edged the Edmonton Oilers for the top spot in the division by just two points, despite the fact that the Oilers won the season series, 3-1.
This should be an excellent series with plenty of opportunities for our NHL Best Bets, and we will also be introducing Golden Knights vs Oilers prop bets for this series.
Golden Knights vs Oilers Series Odds
To Win Series: Oilers (-160) • Golden Knights (+135)
NHL lines used for these best bets are current as of Monday, May 1, at 10 a.m. and were found at Caesars Sportsbook.
The Golden Knights dispatched the Winnipeg Jets in five games, following a 4-1 win Thursday night at home.
Vegas is rested and ready for an Oilers team that needed six games to take out a game Los Angeles Kings squad in a series that saw three overtime games.
Leon Draisaitl was outstanding for the Oilers in the series win over the Kings, putting up 11 points in the six games, including seven goals.
Connor McDavid potted his first even-strength goal of the series in Game 6 against the Kings, but he did have 10 points in the series.
Vegas was led by Chandler Stephenson and Mark Stone, who each had eight points in the five games against Winnipeg.
Golden Knights vs Oilers Series Prediction
Oilers Win in 7 Games
The Oilers come into this series with an even bigger advantage on the power play than they had in Round 1.
Edmonton ranks first in the league on the power play and Vegas checks in at No. 12. That’s a distinct advantage for a team that put up nine goals with the man advantage in Round 1.
Everyone knows what Draisaitl and McDavid can do, but they need more production from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in Round 2. Nugent-Hopkins, who had 37 goals and 104 points in the regular season, had no goals against the Kings.
Edmonton did get some surprising production from Klim Kostin. Kostin, typically known for the physical aspects he brings to the game, potted three goals in the series, including two in Game 6.
Golden Knights vs Oilers Series Best Bets
Oilers defeat Golden Knights in Series (-160) • Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Golden Knights offense has been jump-started by the return of Stone to the lineup following his Jan. 31 back surgery.
But Vegas, while having a deep and balanced attack, doesn’t have the same high-end talent that Edmonton boasts. The Golden Knights were led in the regular season by Jack Eichel’s 66 points.
Contrast that with the fact that McDavid had 71 points on the power play alone this past season, with Draisaitl chipping in with 62 of his own.
The Oilers have the edge in high-end talent, and with everything else being fairly equal, that should put Edmonton into the Conference Finals. I am taking the Oilers in seven games for my NHL pick of the day.
Oilers Win In 7 Games (+190) • Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Neither team’s goaltending was that spectacular in Round 1. Vegas netminder Laurent Brossoit was shaky in Game 1 and Game 3, before settling down in the final two games against Winnipeg.
Edmonton’s Stuart Skinner was yanked in Game 4, but played well enough to beat the Kings in the fifth and sixth games of the series.
I expect to see plenty of goals in the series, and Vegas is a tough place to play. I see this series going all the way to a seventh game in Sin City with Edmonton advancing to the next round.
