The Edmonton Oilers feared the worst when their first season under head coach Mike Babcock started with 12 goals allowed in their first two games. However, in a way only the Oilers could, they escaped those games with a 1-0-1 record, and they haven’t looked back, winning their next three games in regulation and securing nine of a possible 10 points in their first five games. The defense and goaltending have steadily improved, allowing just four goals over their next three games, with only one coming at five-on-five. Whatever message Babcock is sending seems to be working, which is bad news for an aging Los Angeles Kings team that hasn’t resembled a playoff contender this season.
The Kings are one of only three teams that haven't won yet this season, sitting at 0-2-2 with just 10 goals in their first four games. They've kept games close, notably with overtime losses to the Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers, which makes it a bit tough to take Edmonton on the puck line here. Luckily, the value is good enough to back Edmonton to win, though this could be the spot where Los Angeles emerges as a motivated group to get their first win against a long-time rival. However, the Oilers’ speed should overwhelm the Kings.
Oilers vs Kings prediction: Oilers ML (-125) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number to (-135).
