NHL Hockey

Golden Knights Face Oilers in Second Round Power Matchup

Posted by Nick Brown
May 4, 2023

Last year the Edmonton Oilers broke out to make the Western Conference Final. And Connor McDavid was confirmed as the best NHL player and ultimate superstar. In the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Edmon took out the Los Angeles Kings in six games. Now comes a much bigger challenge with the NHL lines. The Vegas Golden Knights are the top seed in the Western Conference. Vegas has thrived with a healthy Jack Eichel. First-year coach Bruce Cassidy has proven to be an astute hire. Now the Oil and VGK clash in a clash of titans.

2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Western Conference Second Round

CashBet Odds: Edmonton Oilers -150 vs. Vegas Golden Knights +130

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Edmonton Oilers Series Schedule

Game 1 (at VGK): May 3, 9:30 ET (ESPN)
Game 2 (at VGK): May 5, TBD
Game 3 (at EDM): TBD
Game 4 (at EDM): TBD
Game 5 (at VGK): TBD
Game 6 (at EDM): TBD
Game 7 (at VGK): TBD

All times listed are Eastern. (* – if necessary)

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Edmonton Oilers CashBet Wagering Analysis

Despite Vegas having the top seed and home-ice advantage, Edmonton became a strong sportsbook favorite. Both teams were impressive in the first round. But the Connor McDavid brand has helped transform the Oilers into a public power brand. Additionally, the Oilers gained a lot of credibility with the betting public by making the 2022 Western Conference Final. Thus, the casual sector and fanboys are dawn to the Oilers.

On the other hand, sharps are looking at the Golden Knights. Vegas was the best team in the Western Conference. Yet the Golden Knights are getting a good underdog price.

Edmonton Strikes Oil in First Round

First among Edmonton playoff scorers is Leon Draisaitl, with seven goals, four assists, 11 points, and a +4. Connor McDavid adds three goals, seven assists, ten points, and a -1. Evan Bouchard brings two goals, eight assists, and a +10. Meanwhile, Goaltender Stuart Skinner has a .890 save percentage and 3.43 goals-against average. His record is 4-3, with one shutout.

Late on, Edmonton has covered four out of their last five games. While the Oilers have gone over the betting on NHL total in five of its previous seven matchups.

The Edmonton Oilers were 50-23-9 straight up and 46-27-9 over/under the total. Also, Edmonton finished 2^nd in the Western Conference playoff standings. Edmonton was two points behind the Vegas Golden Knights in the Western Conference playoff race.

Edmonton has NHL rankings of 1^st for goals scored and 1^st for power play efficiency. In comparison on defense, the Oilers have NHL rankings of 17^th for goals against and 20^th for penalty killing.

Knights Check Kings in Golden Round

First among Vegas scorers is Mark Stone with three goals, five assists, eight points, and a +5. At the same time, Chandler Stephenson adds four goals, four assists, and a +3. Goaltender Laurent Brossoit has a .915 save percentage and 2.42 goals-against average. His record is 4-1 with three shutouts.

Late on, Vegas has covered four out of their last five games. While the Golden Knights have gone over the pro hockey betting total in four of its previous five matchups.

The Vegas Golden Knights finished 51-22-9 straight up and 35-41-6 over/under the total. Also, Vegas was 1^st in the Western Conference playoff standings. Edmonton was two points behind the Golden Knights in the Western Conference playoff race.

Vegas has NHL rankings of 14^th for goals scored and 18^th for power play efficiency. In comparison on defense, the Golden Knights have NHL rankings of 11^th for goals against and 19^th for penalty killing.

Vegas Golden Knights vs. Edmonton Oilers CashBet Free Pick

It is true that Edmonton has emerged as one of the best teams in the NHL. But Vegas finished ahead of the Oilers. Vegas is a great NHL odds value as the underdog.