Oilers vs Kings Prediction Game 5 NHL Playoffs Picks 4/25

© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Game Preview: Kings vs Oilers (Apr 25, 2023) Pregame

Excitement is in the air as the Edmonton Oilers face off against the Los Angeles Kings in game five of the first round of the NHL Playoffs. The series is tied at 2-2, making this a crucial match for both teams. Let's take a look at what the NHL picks experts, nhl picks computer and nhl picks em predictions are saying about today's game. The Oilers are currently favored to win with a -234 odds compared to Kings' +192. The over/under is set at 6.5, indicating that the game is expected to be high-scoring. According to nhl today experts, the Oilers have a strong overall record of 50-23-9 and have been dominant in Pacific Division games with a 21-6-3 record. They also have a healthy +69 scoring differential and have been on a roll lately with an 8-0-2 record in their last 10 games. On the other hand, the Kings have a respectable record of 47-25-10 and are no slouch in Pacific Division games with a 17-9-4 record. They have a +20 scoring differential and have won five of their last 10 games. NHL picks and parlay predictions suggest that this game could go either way but the Oilers may have a slight edge. However, NHL experts picks today and best NHL bets today are split on who will come out on top. It's sure to be an intense and exciting match-up between these two teams, so make sure to tune in and catch all the action.

Kings: Offensive Analysis

The Kings heavily rely on Adrian Kempe and Anze Kopitar to provide them with the bulk of their goals, and when those two are not on form, the Kings struggle to find the back of the net. To make matters worse, the Oilers have been on a tear in their last 10 games, with an average of 3.9 goals scored per game. This means that the Kings' offense will have to be firing on all cylinders if they want to keep up with the Oilers. The Kings' power play has also been a cause for concern, with a conversion rate of only 14.3% in the playoffs. Against a team like the Oilers, who have a solid penalty kill, the Kings will need to capitalize on their power-play opportunities if they want to have a chance of winning. 

Kings: Defensive Analysis

The Kings will need to continue their impressive defensive play if they hope to take down the Oilers in game five of the first round of the NHL Playoffs. Los Angeles has given up 254 goals this season, which may not seem like an impressive number, but it's important to note that the Kings have the ninth-best goals-against average in the league. Additionally, the Kings have been stellar on the penalty kill, ranking fourth in the league with an 84.3% success rate. This will be crucial against the Oilers, who have the league's third-best power play at 25.2%. The Kings will need to stay disciplined and avoid taking unnecessary penalties to keep the Oilers in check. One key player to watch on the Kings' defensive unit is Drew Doughty. The veteran defenseman leads the team in average time on ice, and his defensive prowess will be vital in shutting down the high-powered Oilers offense. Behind him, goaltender Jonathan Quick will need to be at his best to keep the Oilers from lighting up the scoreboard. Quick has had an up-and-down season but has shown flashes of brilliance and can steal a game if he's in top form. Overall, the Kings' defensive play will be crucial in game five, and they'll need to step up against a talented Oilers team that has been on a tear lately. While the Kings may not have the flashiest defensive stats, they've proven to be a solid defensive unit throughout the season and will need to continue that trend in the playoffs.

Oilers: Offense Analysis

The Edmonton Oilers have been on fire for their last 10 games, going 8-0-2 and averaging 3.9 goals per game. They have an impressive scoring differential of +69, with 325 total goals scored and 256 conceded. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been the team's top performer, scoring 37 goals with 67 assists. But Leon Draisaitl has been a force to be reckoned with, scoring 10 goals and 10 assists in the past 10 games alone. On the other hand, the Los Angeles Kings have had a decent record overall of 47-25-10, with a scoring differential of +20. Adrian Kempe has been their top scorer with 41 goals and 25 assists, followed by Anze Kopitar with four goals and 10 assists in the last 10 games. However, they have given up 254 goals while scoring 274. Looking at the NHL picks experts and nhl picks computer predictions, the Oilers are the favorites with a -234 moneyline, while the Kings are the underdogs with a +192 moneyline. The over/under is set at 6.5. NHL picks and parlay options may favor the Oilers due to their recent hot streak. In conclusion, the Oilers offense has been the driving force behind their success, and they will need to continue their high-scoring ways to win game five of the first round of the NHL Playoffs against a tough Kings team. As for the best nhl bets today, the Oilers could very well come out on top in this game with their dominant offense.

Oilers: Defensive Analysis

As the Edmonton Oilers prepare to face off against the Los Angeles Kings in game five of the first round of the NHL Playoffs, a crucial aspect of their strategy will be their defensive performance. The Oilers have shown strong defensive play throughout the season, allowing just 2.70 goals against per game, which ranks eighth in the league. In terms of individual performance, Adam Larsson stands out as a key defensive player for the Oilers. He has been a steady presence on the blue line, recording 156 blocked shots and 121 hits in the regular season. Darnell Nurse has also been a physical force, laying 212 hits and 97 blocked shots. Their gritty play will be crucial in shutting down the Kings' offensive attack. Another notable player for the Oilers is goaltender Mikko Koskinen. He has been consistent throughout the season, posting a 2.50 goals against average and .919 save percentage. His strong play has been a major factor in the Oilers' success this season, and will be crucial in determining the outcome of this game. Overall, the Oilers' defensive performance will be a key factor in their success against the Kings. They will need to continue to play with grit and determination in order to shut down the Kings' offensive attack and secure a win in this crucial playoff game.

Injury Report

Injuries could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings. The Oilers are dealing with a few injuries, with defenseman Ryan Murray (back) and defenseman Oscar Klefbom (shoulder) ruled out for the game. Forward Mattias Janmark is also listed as day-to-day with a foot injury, while goaltender Mike Smith remains out with an undisclosed injury. On the other hand, the Kings have only one injury concern with forward Blake Lizotte listed as day-to-day with a lower-body injury. This puts them in a better position compared to the Oilers, who are missing key players from their squad. Injuries can have a significant impact on a team's performance, and with the Oilers missing multiple players, the Kings might have an advantage. 

Prediction