The Edmonton Oilers return to action with a matinee game against a Pacific Division rival in the Los Angeles Kings.
My Oilers vs. Kings predictions see two of the top teams in the West flexing their muscles defensively in a competitive, low-scoring affair.
Let’s break things down further with my NHL picks for December 28.
Oilers vs Kings prediction
My Oilers pick
Under 6 (-125 at BET99)
My Oilers analysis
The Edmonton Oilers have won eight of their last 10 games and three in a row. While the heroics of Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid have heavily factored in, this run has come on the back of great defensive play and an ability to neuter opposing offenses.
Edmonton has conceded just 22 goals during this 8-2 run, the sixth-lowest mark in the NHL, ranking Top-5 in expected goals allowed as well as high-danger chances conceded. They're not giving up many looks.
When the Oilers have shown a crack in the armor, they’ve gotten the reliable goaltending that wasn’t there earlier in the season. Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard have combined to post a .915 save percentage over the last 10, giving the team saves at a Top-10 rate.
The Los Angeles Kings have defended almost identically well of late. They’ve also given up 22 goals over their last 10 games and rank Top 5 in expected goals conceded.
With reliable two-way centers like Anze Kopitar and Phil Danault, a stable blueline behind them, and a strong team structure in place, the Kings are a very difficult team to score on, regardless of who's between the pipes.
The Oilers and Kings see a lot of each other, and goals don’t tend to follow. Six consecutive regular-season meetings have featured five goals or less, as well as eight of the last nine.
With the two sides jockeying for position in a very competitive Pacific Division and perhaps carrying a little rust after the holiday break, I’m expecting them to rely on their defense in a tight, low-scoring game.
Oilers vs Kings same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 6
Quinton Byfield Under 0.5 points
Leon Draisaitl Over 2.5 shots
Quinton Byfield has had a tough season offensively. He has just 15 points through 34 games and has hit the scoresheet at only a 38% clip. With the Oilers defending well and goals likely hard to come by, this isn’t a great matchup for Byfield to find himself offensively.
Draisaitl has really ramped up his shot volume. He's recorded 3+ shots in 14 of his last 20 games, averaging 3.5 in that span.
Although the Kings generally limit shots well, they’ve had no answer for slowing down Draisaitl. He has recorded 3+ shots in 13 of the last 15 head-to-head meetings and had multiple shots in each.
They’re going to have to use their best defensive personnel in an effort to slow down Connor McDavid, perhaps opening the door for Draisaitl against slightly easier assignments.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Oilers vs Kings odds
Oilers vs Kings live odds
Oilers vs Kings opening odds
- Puck line: Edmonton -128 | Los Angeles +114
- Moneyline: Edmonton -1.5 (+195) | Los Angeles +1.5 (-231)
- Over/Under: Over 6 | Under 6
Odds courtesy of BET99.
Oilers vs Kings trend
Leon Draisaitl has cleared 2.5 shots in eight of his last 10 road games. Find more NHL betting trends for Oilers vs. Kings.
How to watch Oilers vs Kings
| Location: | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date: | Saturday, 12-28-2024 |
| Puck drop: | 4:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Sportsnet West |
Oilers vs Kings latest injuries
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