Kings vs Oilers Prediction Game 3 NHL Playoffs Picks 4/21

© Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

Game Preview: Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings (Apr 21, 2023)

The NHL playoffs are heating up, and our NHL picks experts are gearing up for the upcoming game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings and Oilers are tied 1-1 heading into game 3, making this a crucial matchup for both teams. When it comes to NHL picks computer models, the Oilers are favored to win with a -147 line, while the Kings have a +125 line. The over/under for the game is set at 6.5. NHL today experts predict this will be a close game, with both teams putting up a strong fight. However, our NHL picks and parlay experts see the Oilers as the team to beat, with their impressive record of 50-23-9 overall and 20-6-2 against the Pacific Division. That being said, NHL experts picks today acknowledge the Kings as a formidable opponent, with a record of 47-25-10 overall and 16-9-3 against the Pacific Division. The Kings have also won five out of their last ten games, averaging 2.7 goals per game. On the other hand, our best NHL bets today experts look to the Oilers' top performers, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Leon Draisaitl, who have scored a total of 46 goals and 77 assists combined. In addition, the Oilers have won nine out of their last ten games, averaging 4.1 goals per game. When it comes to NHL picks with spread predictions, our experts predict a close game, but with the Oilers coming out on top. Overall, NHL predictions today suggest that this will be an exciting and intense game between two skilled teams. Tune in to watch the Oilers and Kings battle it out on the ice!

Oilers Offensive Analysis:

Oilers are a strong offensive team with a record of 50-23-9. This record includes their performance against the Pacific Division, where they have a 20-6-2 record. The Oilers have been averaging 4.1 goals in their last ten games and have been giving up only 1.6 goals per game. Their top performers, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Leon Draisaitl, have scored a total of 46 goals and 77 assists this season. They will be key players for Oilers in this game as well. On the other hand, the Kings have a 47-25-10 overall record but have struggled against the Pacific Division with a 16-9-3 record. They have been averaging 2.7 goals in their last ten games and have been giving up 2.4 goals per game. Their top performer, Adrian Kempe, has scored 41 goals and 25 assists this season, but Anze Kopitar has been their best player recently with 3 goals and 9 assists in his last ten games. Considering the offensive statistics of both teams, Oilers have a clear advantage over Kings. Expect Oilers to dominate the game and score more goals. NHL picks experts and computer predictions also favor Oilers to win this game. NHL experts picks today and best NHL bets today suggest placing bets on the Oilers to win. Additionally, NHL picks with spread and NHL picks odds also favor the Oilers. Therefore, Oilers are the top pick for NHL picks and parlays for this game.

Oilers: Defensive Analysis

The Edmonton Oilers have been a solid defensive team throughout the regular season and have continued that trend in the playoffs. They have allowed just 1.6 goals per game in their last 10 contests, which is the second-best mark in the league during that span. In order to win this pivotal Game 3, the Oilers will need their defense to continue playing at a high level. The Oilers defense has been led by Darnell Nurse and Tyson Barrie, who have established themselves as one of the best defensive duos in the NHL. Nurse leads the team in hits (187) and is third in blocked shots (136), while Barrie is second in blocked shots (162) and has contributed offensively with 48 points in the regular season. The Oilers will also rely heavily on their goaltender, Mikko Koskinen, who has been excellent this season. He has a .921 save percentage and a 2.37 goals against average in 33 games played. In the playoffs, he has been even better with a .947 save percentage and a 1.50 goals against average. The Kings have a potent offense, led by Adrian Kempe and Anze Kopitar, who have combined for 44 goals and 34 assists this season. However, the Oilers defense has a good track record against the Kings, having allowed just 2.29 goals per game in their six meetings this season. In this game, the Oilers defense will need to continue playing with discipline and limit the Kings' chances. They will also need to be strong on the penalty kill, as the Kings have a good power play. If the Oilers can do that, they should be able to come away with a victory and take control of the series. In conclusion, the Oilers defense has been outstanding this season and will need to be at their best in this game. With their strong defensive core and excellent goaltending, they should be able to hold the Kings in check and secure a crucial win. 

Kings: Offensive Analysis

In game three of the playoffs first round, the Los Angeles Kings host the Edmonton Oilers in a pivotal matchup. Both teams have won one game each, and it's a must-win situation for both sides to take the series lead. The Kings need a strong offensive performance to outscore the Oilers and take the lead in the series. Let's take a closer look at the Kings' offense. The Kings have been inconsistent offensively in their last ten games, averaging 2.7 goals per game. They need to step up their game in this matchup against a strong Oilers defense. Adrian Kempe has been the top scorer for the Kings this season, with 41 goals and 25 assists. Kempe has been a key player for the team, and he needs to continue his scoring form in this game. Anze Kopitar has also been in good form, with three goals and nine assists in the last ten games. Kopitar needs to lead from the front and set up his teammates for scoring opportunities. The Kings will rely heavily on their powerplay unit to get past the Oilers defense. They have been successful on the powerplay this season, with a conversion rate of 20.6%. However, they need to be more disciplined and avoid giving away unnecessary penalties. They have been penalized 3.4 times per game in the last ten outings, which is a concerning trend. The Oilers have a strong defensive unit, which will be a tough nut to crack for the Kings. The Kings need to create more scoring chances and take advantage of the opportunities they get. They also need to have a better shot accuracy, as they have been averaging 26.6 shots per game in their last ten outings. In conclusion, the Kings offense needs to step up and put more pressure on the Oilers. They need to improve their shot accuracy, avoid penalties, and be clinical in front of goal. The key players for the Kings need to perform to their best in this crucial matchup. NHL picks experts may favor the Oilers, but the Kings have the potential to pull off an upset. Let's see how it all unfolds!

Kings: Defensive Analysis

The Los Angeles Kings will be hoping to take the lead in their first-round playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers when they meet in game three on April 21, 2023. The series is tied 1-1 heading into the game, and both teams will be looking to get an advantage in what promises to be a closely contested match. Defensively, the Kings have been solid throughout the regular season, and they will be looking to continue that form in the playoffs. Los Angeles has allowed an average of just 2.4 goals per game over their last ten games, thanks in part to the impressive performances of goaltender Jonathan Quick. Quick has been a standout for the Kings this season, recording a save percentage of .921 and allowing just 2.35 goals per game. He will be looking to maintain that form against an Oilers team that likes to score goals in bunches. In order to stop the Oilers' potent offense, the Kings will need to be disciplined defensively and limit their opponents' opportunities. They will also need to be physical and try to disrupt the Oilers' puck possession game. The Kings have some strong defensive weapons at their disposal, with Drew Doughty and Alec Martinez both capable of making big plays in their own zone. If they can shut down the Oilers' top scorers, they will have a good chance of winning the game. In terms of NHL picks, experts and computer predictions are split on this game, with some favoring the Oilers and others the Kings. However, given the Kings' strong defensive form and home-ice advantage, the smart money may be on the hosts to come away with the victory. Overall, the Kings will need to be at their best defensively if they are to win this game and take control of the series. If they can continue to play with the same intensity and discipline they have shown all season, they will be in with a good chance of advancing to the next round of the playoffs.

Injury Report

Injuries could play a big factor in the upcoming game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings are dealing with a day-to-day lower body injury for Kevin Fiala, while the Oilers are without defenseman Ryan Murray (back) and Oscar Klefbom (shoulder). Forward Mattias Janmark is also listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, and goalie Mike Smith is out with an undisclosed injury. While the Oilers have been on a hot streak in their last 10 games, losing key players like Murray and Klefbom could impact their defense. However, the Kings will also need to be wary of their penalty minutes against a strong power play team like the Oilers. Overall, the injury report reveals potential vulnerabilities for both teams that could impact the outcome of the game. NHL picks experts, computer models, and EM predictions will need to take these factors into consideration when making their NHL picks and parlays. The best NHL bets for today may depend on how each team manages their injuries and adjusts their game plan accordingly.

Prediction