Edmonton (1-2) at Los Angeles (1-0)
When: Sunday, April 23rd 2023
Where: Crypto.com Arena,
Los Angeles, CA
Time: 9:00 ET | TV: TBS
Opening Odds: Edmonton -160/6.5
We have an upset brewing in the Western Conference first round series between the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings. After blowing the lead in Game 1 and losing in overtime, the Oilers bounced back with a dominating effort to even the series in Game 2. On Friday, the series shifted to Los Angeles and the Kings came away with a controversial overtime victory on a goal from Trevor Moore.
Edmonton star Connor McDavid immediately raised his hand in the air to get the official’s attention after he saw Kings forward Gabriel Vilardi play the puck with a high stick just seconds before the winning goal. The referees upheld the call after a lengthy review, sending the home crowd home happy and a 2-1 Kings lead in the series. L.A. has been solid on the power play in their two victories, going 4-for-11, but have been outshot in all three games.
The physical play is getting to Edmonton, who have not seen their best goal scorers really take off yet. Kings’ goalie Joonas Korpisalo has been solid and will look to keep it going, as L.A. looks to take a commanding 3-1 lead heading back to Alberta. Game 5 will be Tuesday night before a long break if a Game 6 is necessary back in Los Angeles.
McDavid was held scoreless in the first two games, but netted two in Game 3 on Friday. Others need to step up including Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who scored 37 goals during the regular season and 36-goal scorer Zach Hyman. Both have been held without a goal entering Game 4. The Oilers are 4-for-8 on the power play, but the Kings have been disciplined in not allowing Edmonton too many odd-man chances.
Korpisalo is playing in front of a playoff crowd for the first time in his career and had helped the Kings gain the series lead. He has a 2.53 goals-against average and .931 save percentage through the first three games. Korpisalo played in nine playoff games with the Columbus Blue Jackets during the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs, which were held without crowds. Adrian Kempe leads the Kings with three goals this series, while Anze Kopitar has a goal and four assists.
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The Oilers are still the better team and are in desperation-mode. McDavid woke up in Game 3 and could have a big night on Sunday. Edmonton is not going back home down 3-1.
Pick: Oilers -155
