The Los Angeles Kings are set to play against the Edmonton Oilers on Monday evening, a game that serves as a preview for a potential first-round series in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs. The puck drop is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. Currently, the Kings have the home-ice advantage, but this could shift depending on Monday`s game outcome as only two points separate the two teams. Notably, these teams have faced each other in the first round of the playoffs for the past three seasons, with Edmonton emerging victorious each time. In the most recent postseason, the Oilers eliminated the Kings in five games.
Los Angeles boasts a remarkably balanced offensive lineup, featuring seven players who have scored 18 or more goals this season. The Edmonton Oilers, who were Stanley Cup finalists last year, are aiming to return to the final series. However, Edmonton might be playing without Leon Draisaitl, the NHL`s leading scorer, who is questionable due to an undisclosed injury. Consequently, Connor McDavid is expected to be the primary focus of Edmonton`s attack in Monday`s game.
According to betting odds, the Oilers are slight favorites in this matchup, with a money line of -111. The Kings are considered underdogs at -109, and the over/under for total goals is set at 5.5.
Regarding player points props, Adrian Kempe from the Kings is favored to go Over 0.5 points at -150, followed by Kevin Fiala (-135), Anze Kopitar (-120), and Quinton Byfield (-110). For the Oilers, Connor McDavid is at +100 to go Over 1.5 total points, and Evan Bouchard is at -190 to go Over 0.5 points.
This game marks the third and final meeting between the Kings and Oilers this season. Los Angeles has won both previous games, securing a head-to-head advantage regardless of Monday`s result. For Edmonton to secure home-ice advantage, they would need to win their remaining two games in regulation and hope that Los Angeles gains no more than two points from their last two games after Monday.
Here is a look at the game predictions:
LOS ANGELES KINGS at EDMONTON OILERS | 4/14 | 10 p.m. ET
Money line
Pick: Oilers -111
Prediction models suggest Edmonton wins in 68% of simulations, indicating value at these odds.
Puck line
Pick: Oilers -1.5 (+224)
Prediction models suggest Edmonton covers in 41% of simulations, indicating value at these odds.
Over/Under
Pick: Over 5.5
Prediction models suggest the Over hits in 57% of simulations.
Projected score: Oilers 3.6, Kings 2.6
