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Top NHL analyst shares shocking prediction for Oilers and Kings playoff series
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The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings are about to face off for a fourth straight first round playoff series, and according to top analysts, it's a total pick'em.
The full series schedule has now been released, beginning on Monday April 21st in Los Angeles.
Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings are only playoff series with 50/50 odds
Analysts at the Athletic have unveiled their playoff previews, and so far, the Oilers and Kings series is the only one not to have a clear favourite - the series odds are nearly 50/50, but the Kings actually have a slight edge.
They explained that the loss of Mattias Ekholm, home ice advantage, and the overall drop of the Oilers play this season as the reason behind the Oilers losing their status as the favourite.
In each of the last three meetings between these two teams, the Oilers were heavy favorites, around 70 percent, winning each series in progressively fewer games. Over the last three playoffs, the gap between the Oilers and Kings seemed to grow even larger.
Home ice plays a role here, as does Mattias Ekholm's injury. With the Oilers at home and Ekholm in the lineup, they'd be right around 60 percent - much closer to the usual ballpark.
- The Athletic
Home ice plays a role here, as does Mattias Ekholm's injury. With the Oilers at home and Ekholm in the lineup, they'd be right around 60 percent - much closer to the usual ballpark.
- The Athletic
Oilers should use underdog status as bulletin board material
After being Stanley Cup Favourites entering the season by far, it's shocking to see the Oilers as underdogs in the first round.
The Oilers could certainly take this as a point of motivation themselves heading into this playoffs. They entered this season with goals no short of winning the Stanley Cup.
Connor McDavid himself said that he doesn't like the current suggestion that the Oilers are limping into the playoffs. The Captain insists everyone will he healthy enough to get the team back to the Cup Final.
This year may not have gone perfectly for the Edmonton Oilers, but the real games start now. Their veteran group understands that now is the time to elevate their game, led by Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 17 | 880 ANSWERS Top NHL analyst shares shocking prediction for Oilers and Kings playoff series Do you think the Oilers really are underdogs in round one? | ||
| Yes | 485 | 55.1 % |
| No | 395 | 44.9 % |
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