Edmonton Oilers at Vegas Golden Knights: Game 1 Prediction, Player Props, & Betting Tips 

By Sam Batz

The Stanley Cup Playoffs have officially entered the Second Round after an explosive First Round that was filled with upsets, intrigue, and excitement. Only 8 teams remain, and on Wednesday, May 3rd the Edmonton Oilers and Vegas Golden Knights will open their series with a Game 1 matchup in Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena (6:30 PM PST, ESPN). The Oilers beat the LA Kings in 6 games to advance, while the Golden Knights took down the Winnipeg Jets in 5. The presumed favorites to win it all, the Boston Bruins, were eliminated in shocking fashion, and now Edmonton is one of the favorites to win it all. The Golden Knights will need to get past the best scoring team in the NHL in order to advance, but as the First Round demonstrated, anything is possible. 

The Edmonton Oilers (-1.5; ML -115)

The Oilers are looking good and have a real chance to win it all this year. With the Bruins eliminated, there aren’t many teams left that can keep up with Edmonton offensively. During the regular season, the Oilers led the NHL with 325 goals and 3.96 GF/G. They notched the 3rd-most goals (25) in the First Round, but the two teams ahead of them, the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers, played an extra game. Edmonton is priced at +400 to win it all, and are priced at +160 to win the Western Conference, but face an underrated Golden Knights squad that are looking to spoil the party. 

The Vegas Golden Knights (+1.5; ML -105)

The Vegas Golden Knights quietly took care of business while the rest of us were watching the Boston Bruins crash and burn in spectacular fashion. Vegas beat Winnipeg in 5 games, and after losing their playoff opener 5-1 at home, the Knights rallied, and won 4 straight to take the series. Vegas scored at least 4 goals in every game they won, and looked deserving of their title as the best in the West. The Knights finished the regular season atop the conference standings, but now face a talented Edmonton team who finished just 2-points behind them. Vegas gets home-court advantage in Round 2, but has the unfortunate task of trying to neutralize Edmonton’s talented goal scorers, which may prove to be too difficult.   

Oilers vs. Golden Knights: Game 1 Odds

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Oilers vs. Golden Knights: Postseason Stats

Oilers vs. Golden Knights: Player Props

Connor McDavid (Oilers Center): Anytime Goal Scorer (-115)

You can’t mention the Edmonton Oilers without also mentioning Connor McDavid. 2015’s first overall draft pick has been spectacular this season, notching the most goals (64), assists (89), and points (153) during the regular season. McDavid is constantly getting the puck on the attack and I would be shocked if he doesn’t score at least once. He averaged 4.5 shots per game in Round 1, and will look to get off to a hot start in Round 2. I predict Connor McDavid scores at least 1 goal against the Golden Knights in Game 1. 

Chandler Stephenson (Golden Knights Center): Over 0.5 Points (-150)

It’s a relatively safe bet to assume Chandler Stephenson will record at least 1 point in Game 1 against Edmonton. Stephenson has 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists) in the playoffs. He doesn’t take many shots, but when he does, he is accurate (50.0% shooting percentage). He loves to distribute the puck to his teammates, and the Golden Knights are loaded with goal scorers (25 players scored at least 1 goal in the regular season), greatly increasing Stephenson’s chances to record an assist. I predict Chandler Stephenson goes over 0.5 points in Game 1 against Edmonton. 

Oilers vs. Golden Knights: Game 1 Prediction

Take the Edmonton Oilers to win Game 1 in Vegas. In order to beat anyone in hockey, you have to outscore them. That may be obvious, but against the Oilers, it’s much easier said than done. Edmonton is averaging over 4 goals per game in the postseason, and with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge, facing the Oilers is no walk in the park. Vegas averaged 3.8 goals per game in the First Round, and they have a decent defense that could stifle Edmonton’s attack, but I don’t think the Golden Knights can keep up with the Oilers for 3 periods, let alone 7 games.  

Prediction: Edmonton Oilers Moneyline (-115)

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