There are three Game 7 matchups in the NHL on Saturday, just how the league wants it with this playoff format.
G A M E D A Y
Win & move on. It's Game 7.
📺 @Sportsnet
📻 @630CHED #LetsGoOilers | #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/FoG3ZFmCnH— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) May 14, 2022
Their convoluted way of determining first-round playoff matchups is designed for lengthy series that get attention right away in the postseason. The Oilers needed to win in Game 6 at Crypto.com Arena to force a Game 7.
Edmonton came through with a big 4-2 win in Los Angeles. Evander Kane added 2 more playoffs goals, as he’s played a big role in this series. Connor McDavid and Tyson Barrie also found the back of the net.
The real star of that game had to be Mike Smith between the pipes. Smith needed to stand tall between the pipes, and he found his best form.
💥💥💥 pic.twitter.com/1mgUQhYf4q
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) May 13, 2022
He made 30 saves on 32 shots for a 0.938 save percentage. They need another standout effort from Smith at Rogers Place tonight.
Smith is a streaky goaltender that can look elite at times. Game 7 in Edmonton is a great opportunity for Smith to show that he is deserving of more money. Otherwise, it’s going to be a long offseason for Smith and the rest of the Oilers.
The same can be said about a streaky Jonathan Quick. We’ve seen just about everything from Quick in six games, which is an accurate snapshot of his season in 2022.
This would be a nice spot for Leon Draisaitl to step up. He’s been a floater and not productive at all in the first round.
McDavid deserves the help from Draisaitl. As controversial as signing Kane was at the time, the Kings may have won this series already without him on the Oilers.
Head below for our free Kings vs. Oilers Game 7 pick on May 14, 2022.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers Game 7 Live Betting Odds:
| Teams | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA Kings | +1.5 (-145) | +170 | Over 6 (-120) |
| Edmonton Oilers | -1.5 (+125) | -200 | Under 6 (+100) |
|
Rank
|
Betting Site
|
Bonus | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Bovada
|
50% up to $1,000 | Go to Site |
| 2 | 
BetUS
|
125% up to $2,500 | Go to Site |
| 3 | 
MyBookie
|
100% up to $1,000 | Go to Site |
| 4 | 
Everygame
|
100% up to $500 | Go to Site |
| 5 | 
BetOnline
|
50% up to $1,000 | Go to Site |
| Team Data | LA Kings | Edmonton Oilers |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 47-30-11 | 52-29-7 |
| Puckline Record | 53-35 | 42-46 |
| Away/Home Record | 25-12-7 | 29-13-2 |
| Puckline Away/Home | 29-15 | 20-24 |
| Goals Per Game | 2.86 | 3.52 |
| Goals Against Per Game | 2.92 | 3.05 |
| Shots Per Game | 35.19 | 34.07 |
| Shots Against Per Game | 28.97 | 32.72 |
Kings vs. Oilers Game 7 Prediction:
Game 7 is a matchup that always comes down to heart and who wants it more. If a series gets to a Game 7, it usually means that both teams are in good form and playing well.
The Oilers know they’re a good team and have a talent advantage over the Kings. This shouldn’t be a problem for the Oilers. If the game was played on paper, the Oilers win.
That’s not how it works in the NHL Playoffs, though. That said, the Oilers have a great chance to wash away their recent playoff frustrations with a win at home.
Mike Smith has posted a 2.67 GAA and 0.931 save percentage. He had trouble in Game 1 with 4 goals against and then 5 goals against in Game 5.
Jonathan Quick enters with a 3.66 GAA, and 0.893 save percentage through six games. He’s been all over the place. His worst work has come at Rogers Place in Edmonton.
The Oilers have been hot at home offensively. This is where they’ve typically looked elite. Edmonton has buried 3.73 goals per game at home in the 2021-22 campaign.
LA Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers Game 7 Betting Trends:
Kings
- 8-3 overall in their previous 11 games
- 3-8 overall in their previous 11 games as an underdog
- 3-9 overall in their previous 12 games in the quarterfinals
- 3-7 overall in their previous ten games versus a team with a winning record
- 4-10 overall in their previous 14 games at Edmonton
Oilers
- 15-5 overall in their previous 20 games versus the Western Conference
- 11-4 overall in their previous 15 games after a win
- 7-3 overall in their previous ten games on a Saturday
- 10-4 overall in their previous 14 games versus the Kings at home
- 15-3 overall in their previous 18 games at home
This game is all about heart and grit. Are the Oilers really going to come out flat and uninterested in Game 7 at home?
The Oilers showed plenty of passion and fire in Game 6 at Crypto.com Arena. If they bring the same energy to Rogers Place, there shouldn’t be anything to stress over for Oilers fans.
I at least have some confidence in the Oilers to get to the next round. In a determined effort from the Oilers, expect them to win back-to-back games for a trip to the semifinals in the Western Conference.
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