Golden Knights vs Oilers Prediction Game 2 NHL Playoffs 5/6
- Lm Tipster
- May 5, 2023, 6:50:53 PM
Introduction:
The 2022-2023 NHL playoffs are in full swing, and we're gearing up for another thrilling matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vegas Golden Knights. In Game 1 of this series, the Golden Knights won 6-4, taking a 1-0 series lead. Now, as the teams prepare for Game 2, KingPin.pro's NHL experts are here to provide free NHL picks for today's game and make a prediction on which team will come out on top.
Offense:
When it comes to offense, both the Edmonton Oilers and the Vegas Golden Knights have plenty of firepower. The Oilers are led by superstar forward Connor McDavid, who finished the regular season with 153 points, including 64 goals and 89 assists. McDavid is one of the most talented players in the NHL, and he has the ability to take over a game at any moment. Alongside McDavid, the Oilers also have forward Jack Eichel, who has been a great addition to the team since being acquired mid-season.
On the other side of the ice, the Golden Knights have their own dynamic duo in forwards Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson. Marchessault finished the regular season with 28 goals, while Stephenson tallied 49 assists. The Golden Knights also have depth throughout their lineup, with players like Max Pacioretty and Mark Stone capable of contributing on the scoresheet.
Defense:
When it comes to defense, the Oilers have struggled at times this season, allowing an average of 3.12 goals per game. However, they do have a talented goaltender in Stuart Skinner, who has posted a .914 save percentage and won 29 games this season. The Oilers' defense will need to step up in Game 2 if they hope to contain the Golden Knights' offense.
The Golden Knights, on the other hand, have been solid on defense this season, allowing an average of 2.74 goals per game. They have a trio of talented goaltenders in Jonathan Quick, Logan Thompson, and Laurent Brossoit. However, Thompson is currently out with an injury, and Quick has been inconsistent at times this season. The Golden Knights will need a strong defensive effort in Game 2 if they hope to hold off the Oilers' potent offense.
Injuries:
Both teams have key players dealing with injuries heading into Game 2. For the Oilers, centers Mattias Janmark and Derek Ryan are both listed as day-to-day. Janmark missed Game 1 with an undisclosed injury, while Ryan is dealing with a lower-body injury. The Oilers will need both players to be healthy if they hope to even up the series.
The Golden Knights are without goaltender Logan Thompson, who is out with an undisclosed injury. While the Golden Knights have capable goaltenders in Quick and Brossoit, Thompson's absence could be felt if Quick struggles in Game 2.
Prediction
Despite the Oilers' potent offense, the Golden Knights have been a better team at home this season, posting a 25-15-1 record at T-Mobile Arena. In Game 1 of this series, the Golden Knights' offense exploded for six goals, including two power-play goals. While the Oilers were able to score four goals of their own, they struggled defensively, allowing the Golden Knights to dominate the game. With the series now shifting to Vegas, the Golden Knights have a great opportunity to take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
One of the key factors in this game will be the Golden Knights' defense. While they have been solid all season, they will need to be at their best to contain McDavid and the Oilers' potent offense. The Golden Knights will also need a strong performance from their goaltender, whether it's Quick or Brossoit, to keep the Oilers from getting too many quality scoring chances.
Offensively, the Golden Knights have plenty of weapons to take advantage of the Oilers' defense. Marchessault and Stephenson have been playing well, and players like Pacioretty and Stone can make an impact as well. If the Golden Knights can get their power play going again, they could have a big advantage in this game.
Pick: Golden Knights ML +105
