The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings will square off this afternoon in a game with massive playoff implications.
My Oilers vs. Kings expect a competitive, low-scoring game between two of the best shot suppression squads in the league.
Let’s break down my NHL picks for April 5.
Oilers vs Kings prediction
My Oilers pick: Under 5.5 (-110 at BET99)
My Oilers analysis
Leon Draisaitl was banged up last time out and will join Connor McDavid on the sidelines, meaning the Edmonton Oilers will once again be forced to play without two of the most dangerous players in the league.
It’s hard to put into words how much life that sucks out of their offense. Sans Draisaitl and McDavid, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (49) and Zach Hyman (43) are the only two forwards in the lineup with more than 27 points. Yes, 27 points.
Scoring depth has not been a strong suit for the Oilers this season, and that’s likely to be even more evident with many of their players being forced to play up a slot.
Not to mention, the matchup is horrendous for generating offense. The Los Angeles Kings have conceded just 1.89 goals per 60 minutes on home soil this season. That is the lowest mark in the entire NHL.
They play suffocating defensive hockey and don’t give teams an inch, especially when controlling matchups on home soil.
Breaking through their defense would be challenging with Draisaitl and McDavid in the lineup. Putting up crooked numbers in Los Angeles without them is almost impossible.
Luckily, there is an avenue for the Oilers to keep this game tight and within striking distance: defense.
They've allowed just two goals in three straight games and didn’t allow any of their opponents to hit 30 shots. That’s the formula they need to follow in this one.
There’s reason to believe they can. The Kings are not exactly a juggernaut offensively, slotting 17th in goals per game, 18th in shots, and 28th in power play percentage.
With so much riding on this game for both teams, it should be a tight-checking contest where neither side has much room to make plays.
That should result in a low-scoring contest.
Oilers vs Kings same-game parlay (SGP)
Under 5.5
Zach Hyman Over 2.5 shots
Adrian Kempe Over 2.5 shots
To say Hyman has taken on a bigger offensive role without the team’s two superstars would be an understatement. He has points in all three games without McDavid and Draisaitl and has piled up the shots, averaging four on 7.7 attempts.
The Kings are a strong side in limiting shots, but Hyman will no doubt carry a big workload as the biggest scoring threat remaining in the lineup. Playing big minutes as the go-to shooter, there should be a few opportunities to get pucks on net.
Kempe has the most ridiculous track record against the Oilers you will ever see. He has cleared 2.5 shots in 28 of the past 32 meetings, averaging 4.6 shots on 7.6 attempts in that span.
Adrian Kempe has seen a ton of the Oilers over the years (clearly), be it regular season or playoffs — and he has always delivered.
Los Angeles will be counting on that once again from their top-line sniper in a game that carries immense weight in the standings.
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 +1.5 (-175) | Los Angeles -1.5 (+151)
- Moneyline: Edmonton +154 | Los Angeles -175
- Over/Under: Over 5.5 | Under 5.5
Odds courtesy of BET99
Oilers vs Kings trend
Hyman has recorded points in three games without McDavid or Draisaitl. Find more NHL betting trends for Oilers vs. Kings.
How to watch Oilers vs Kings
| Location | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Saturday, 4-5-2025 |
| Puck drop | 4:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | SN |
Oilers vs Kings latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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