The Vegas Golden Knights hold a five-point lead for the final spot in the Western Conference playoffs heading into Wednesday’s matchup with the Edmonton Oilers.
But the defending champions, who have suffered back-to-back losses, need a response, and the oddsmakers can’t seem to make up their minds.
Now, that and the uncertain status of Connor McDavid.
Take a look at Wednesday night’s NHL game between the Knights and Oilers in Edmonton.
Golden Knights vs. Oilers odds
| team | pack line | money line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| The knights | +1.5 (-260) | -102 | o6,5 (+106) |
| oiler | -1.5 (+210) | -118 | u6.5 (-130) |
Golden Knights vs. Oilers predictions
For the third and final meeting between the Pacific Division foes, McDavid is scheduled to be selected as a game-time decision due to a persistent lower-body injury.
Listing McDavid’s numbers and how he impacts games against any type of opponent is just a waste of time. His superiority is omnipresent.
Even if he doesn’t make it into the lineup, I still believe the Oilers are underrated.
Edmonton has taken Vegas to town in nearly every 5-on-5 game the two teams have played this season.
The Oilers are the single best team in expected goals percentage, as opposed to a Knights team that has become increasingly inconsistent in finding quality scoring chances.
Keeping the puck out of the net has also been a lingering theme. Las Vegas blew a 4-1 lead against Arizona on Friday with six scoreless, even goals in the third period.
Addin Hill returned to the cage for the first time since March 23 and was looking to take a league-high 33.9 shots per game for the Oilers.
On February 6th, he had a great performance in the Knights’ 3-1 win at home against the Oilers. But it won’t be easy for him to play in Edmonton.
Would you bet on the NHL?
The split results reveal that the Oilers are one of the most dangerous home teams in hockey, with a power play that is 16% better than on the road and a shooting percentage of 11.6.
They also have a 9-0-1 record in their last 10 games played at Rogers Place.
Golden Knights vs. Oilers picks
Terminology aside, I prefer the hotter player in a close game. Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard join McDavid as the top 12 power play point scorers in the NHL.
Zach Hyman, who ranks No. 1 overall in expected goal percentage, added an extra punch to this season’s welcome party.
Unless Hill can steal this game, all signs point to Edmonton gearing up for the playoffs.
