Game 5 of this Western Conference series is set to get underway with the Edmonton Oilers hosting the Los Angeles Kings.
After these teams alternated each of the first four games of this opening round, this matchup has now turned into a best-of-three, with the Oilers still favored by NHL odds to take the series.
Will Edmonton take care of business on home ice, or can Los Angeles pull off the upset on the road before returning home for Game 6? Find out in our free NHL picks for the Kings vs. Oilers on Tuesday, April 25.
Kings vs Oilers Game 5 odds
Kings vs Oilers series odds
| Team | To win | Win in 6 | Win in 7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kings | +210 | +550 | +450 |
| Oilers | -260 | +140 | +200 |
Odds courtesy of DraftKings as of April 25.
Kings vs Oilers Game 5 predictions
After the Edmonton Oilers clawed their way back from a 3-0 deficit in Game 4 to force overtime, it felt as though the winner in the added period would go on to win this series. About halfway through overtime, winger Zach Hyman beat goaltender Joonas Korpisalo on the rush to secure a critical series-evening goal.
With Edmonton holding all of the momentum for the first time, it now returns home for Game 5 in what oddsmakers are expecting to be a lopsided affair. Currently, the Oilers are laying north of two dollars on the moneyline while returning +114 on the –1.5 puck line — which is the avenue we'll be exploring in this contest.
While the Los Angeles Kings’ centerman, Phillip Danault has done a terrific job slowing down Connor McDavid by shadowing him on every shift, the Kings have not had an answer for Leon Draisaitl.
With five goals and four assists through the first four games, Draisaitl leads all skaters in points this postseason. In fact, he has astonishingly been on the ice for all 14 of Edmonton’s goals this series.
Despite Los Angles sitting in a 2-2 tie, its underlying metrics suggest that regression is imminent. Among the 16 playoff teams, it ranks second-to-last in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) at 5-on-5 thus far, which is mostly a product of the Oilers’ powerhouse offense.
Edmonton outranks the Kings in both xGA/60 and expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) at 5-on-5. Carrying the momentum and returning home for a pivotal Game 5, look for the Oilers to take care of business as large favorites.
My best bet: Oilers -1.5 (+114 at BetRivers)
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Kings vs Oilers Game 5 moneyline analysis
As noted above, Edmonton opened Game 5 as a resounding -211 favorite, with Los Angeles hovering at +200. Money has since poured in on the home side, boosting its price to as high as -253.
Los Angeles’ Joonas Korpisalo is the biggest concern when backing Edmonton. He's made a constant impact between the pipes, becoming a massive acquisition for a team that was looking for more consistent goaltending at the trade deadline.
His strong play has continued during the postseason, with Korpisalo going 2-2 with a respectable .918 SV% and 3.00 GAA. His underlying metrics are just as strong, ranking third among goaltenders this postseason in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5-on-5.
With that said, Edmonon's five-goal outburst could be the straw that breaks the camel's back, opening the floodgates for this offense to keep pouring in the pucks.
Kings vs Oilers Game 5 Over/Under analysis
After Stuart Skinner surrendered three goals on just 11 shots to start the contest, head coach Jay Woodcroft pulled him in an attempt to revitalize the team and turn things around.
This move ultimately proved to not only save the game but likely Edmonton’s season, as Campbell came in and stopped 27 of 28 pucks for a stellar .964 SV% en route to the Oilers’ 5-4 come-from-behind overtime victory. While it is an obviously minuscule sample size, Campbell's 2.84 GSAx/60 at 5-on-5 would slot him in the top spot in that stat category for the postseason.
In the projected Korpisalo vs. Campbell matchup, and based on how they have each looked in this series, Under would seem to make the most sense. However, with these two offenses, and the very real possibility of the Oilers turning back to Stuart Skinner, I may just stay away from the total completely.
Kings vs Oilers betting trend to know
The betting favorite is 37-15 in the last 52 meetings between these two teams. Find more NHL betting trends for Kings vs. Oilers.
Kings vs Oilers Game 5 game info
| Location: | Rogers Place, Edmonton, AB |
| Date: | Tuesday, April 25, 2023 |
| Puck drop: | 9:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
Kings vs Oilers Game 5 injuries
