The Edmonton Oilers didn’t have an easy time, but they were able to beat the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the fourth year in a row.

The Oilers relied heavily on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to power past the Kings, but it was timely goaltending from journeyman Calvin Pickard that changed the series.

Edmonton’s formula for success will need to change considerably if it wants to get past the Vegas Golden Knights in Round 2.

The Knights are a -138 favorite to win Game 1 at the Fortress, but the bookmakers have the series lined as a pick’em. 

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Oilers vs. Golden Knights Game 1 betting preview 

The Oilers are a top-heavy team.

Edmonton tried to shore up its depth by acquiring Jeff Skinner, Viktor Arvidsson, Jake Walman and Trent Frederic, but this team will only go as far as McDavid and Draisaitl take it. 

The Knights also have some serious star power at the top of their roster, but they’re a much deeper team than Edmonton, especially on the blueline. 

And while no team can match the 1-2 punch down the middle that McDavid and Draisaitl provide for Edmonton, the Knights can at least answer it with Jack Eichel and Tomas Hertl.

Eichel will be especially important in this series, given his underrated two-way game. If he can slow down either one of Edmonton’s top guns, the Knights will have a clear path to victory in this series.

Betting on the NHL?

Oilers vs. Golden Knights Game 1 pick

Throw in a big edge in goal with Adin Hill over Pickard, and I don’t see how Vegas isn’t a clear favorite to win this best-of-seven.

The Play: Golden Knights series moneyline (-110, Fanatics)

Why Trust New York Post Betting

Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.

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