Stanley Cup Playoffs: Oilers vs Golden Knights Game 1 Odds, Analysis, & Picks

We have another heavyweight matchup in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights meet in a must-watch series. Game 1 is scheduled for Tuesday night, with puck drop at 9:30 PM EDT. Edmonton pulled off the unthinkable in Round One, overcoming an 0-2 hole against the Los Angeles Kings by winning four straight to knock them off for the fourth consecutive year in the playoffs. As for Vegas, they flew by the Minnesota Wild in six games.

Odds provided by Sports Interaction.

Oilers vs Golden Knights Game 1 Odds

The Golden Knights are a clear -125 road favorite at NHL sportsbooks. The Oilers come back at +105. The total sits at six for Game 1.

These two teams met four times during the regular season, both notching a pair of victories apiece. Vegas eliminated Edmonton in six games in the 2023 playoffs en route to a Stanley Cup title.

Oilers vs Golden Knights Analysis

The Oilers went into the playoffs with a clear target on their backs after losing in seven games in the Stanley Cup Finals last season. It did look like Kris Knoblauch’s squad was in serious trouble as well against the Kings, a team that seemed more complete and healthier. But after losing the first two games, Edmonton dug deep and ran off four wins in a row. It was a very gritty performance and showed how special this team is, with none other than Connor McDavid leading the way.

The three-time Hart Trophy winner has 11 points already in these playoffs, including two goals and nine assists. Leon Draisaitl, who also put together a remarkable season, contributed 10 points of his own in the first round. Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Evan Bouchard all had at least five points in the six-game series as well. When they’re firing on all cylinders, the Oilers are deep. They just need the supporting cast to step up and their goaltending, which has been shaky at times, to be more consistent.

The Golden Knights were the top dog in the Pacific Division this season, and they’ve looked the part of a title contender all year long. That was very much the case in Round One, handling the Wild in six games. However, the last three games of the series were decided by just one goal. Minnesota did keep things competitive, but Vegas’s experience showed.

The Knights are a phenomenal team on both ends of the ice. They’re top five in goals scored and fewest goals allowed. Adin Hill is a beast in between the posts, and he’ll have his work cut out for him against the Oilers’ top guns. Offensively, Vegas has been led by Jack Eichel and Tomas Hertl, while Shea Theodore and Mark Stone have also done their part. Just like Edmonton, Vegas is a deep team with no shortage of talent. We should be in for a dogfight in this series.

Oilers vs Golden Knights Game 1 Picks

The Golden Knights are elite at home and elite defensively. I think that will cause the Oilers some problems in Game 1 as they will need to adjust. Take Vegas to win the series opener at T-Mobile Arena. The moneyline offers immense value.

Pick: Golden Knights -125 /Sports Interaction