Apr 26, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Edmonton Oilers left wing Zach Hyman (18) celebrates after scoring a goal in the first period of game three against the Los Angeles Kings of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Yannick Peterhans-USA TODAY Sports
- The Edmonton Oilers are heavily favored to win Game 5 against the LA Kings
- Edmonton is 8-1 in their last nine games playing on two days rest
- Read below for Kings vs Oilers Game 5 odds, picks and predictions
The Los Angeles Kings face a do-or-die situation as they head to Rogers Place to take on the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their Western Conference first-round playoff series on Wednesday night.
The Oilers currently lead the series 3-1 and are favored to close it out at home. The Game 5 Kings vs Oilers odds price Edmonton as massive -200 home favorites despite Los Angeles significantly outshooting them in Game 4.
Let’s explore the Kings vs Oilers Game 5 odds as we make our picks and predictions for Wednesday Night Hockey.
LA Kings vs Edmonton Oilers Odds – Game 5
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| LA Kings | +1.5 (-150) | +165 | Over 6.5 (+105) |
| EDM Oilers | -1.5 (+125) | -200 | Under 6.5 (-125) |
Edmonton is a heavy -200 favorite to close out the series on Wednesday evening, which is 66.7% implied probability.
Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. MT, and the game will be broadcast on Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada.
Odds as of May 1, 2024, at Bet365 Sportsbook. Unlock the Bet365 bonus for new users to bet on Kings vs Oilers.
Oilers Finding Ways To Win
The Kings are coming off a heartbreaking 1-0 loss in Game 4 despite outshooting the Oilers 33-13 and largely outplaying them at even strength. Los Angeles held Edmonton’s dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to just three combined shots on goal. However, a second-period power play tally by Evan Bouchard proved to be the difference.
Bouchard with a blast 🚀 pic.twitter.com/OVJ0k59uIn
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 29, 2024
Prior to that, the Oilers dominated Game 3 in a 6-1 rout. Edmonton has now won two straight after dropping Game 2 by a 5-4 overtime score. The Oilers have scored 18 goals through the first four games (4.5 per game).
Edmonton’s power play has been a major factor in the series, converting on 8 of 15 opportunities (53.3%). The Kings, meanwhile, have really struggled on special teams, going 0-for-11 on the power play while allowing eight PP goals against
Home-Ice Advantage Could Be Difference
The Oilers vs Kings Playoff series is returning to Edmonton, where the Oilers went 29-9-5 during the regular season. While the Kings won Game 2 in Edmonton, Los Angeles is just 1-6 in the last seven meetings played at Rogers Place.
Although the Oilers only managed 13 shots on goal in Game 4, they peppered Kings’ goalie Cam Talbot with 76 shots on goal in the first two games played in Edmonton. With a chance to advance onto Round 2 in the NHL Playoff bracket on the line, we can expect a much better offensive showing from Edmonton in Game 5.
Goaltending Matchup
36-year-old Cam Talbot has started three of the four games for the Kings, going 1-2 with a 3.69 goals-against average and .856 save percentage over his last five playoff starts. Backup David Rittich made 12 saves in the 1-0 Game 4 defeat.
LAK G Cam Talbot still on ice for a very optional skate, looks like David Rittich in net once again for an elimination Game 5 in Edmonton.
— Dennis Bernstein (@DennisTFP) May 1, 2024
While it hasn’t been confirmed, all signs point to Rittich making his second consecutive start on Wednesday night. While the former Flame wasn’t truly tested in Game 4, Rittich has a decent track record against the Oilers. In 10 career starts vs. the Oil, Rittich is 5-5-0 record with a .904 save percentage.
For Edmonton, 25-year-old Stuart Skinner has been in net for all four games in his first NHL playoff action. He is 3-1 with a 2.48 GAA and .919 save percentage, earning a 33-save shutout last game.
Kings vs Oilers Game 5 Predictions
The key for LA will be staying out of the penalty box, as the Oilers’ lethal PP has been the difference. The Kings need to replicate their strong 5-on-5 play from Game 4. Riitch will also likely need to outduel Stuart Skinner and steal this game.
While the Kings have shown they can compete with the Oilers at even strength, Edmonton’s offensive firepower and dominant power play give them the clear edge. Given LA’s 15 penalties in the series thus far, we aren’t confident this team can stay out of the box.
The Oilers are 8-1 in their last nine games playing on two days rest, and they should be motivated to close this out on home ice. Take Edmonton on the regulation (three-way) line, while also throwing the “under” into a same-game parlay in what promises to be a tight-checking elimination game.
LAK vs EDM Picks:
- Oilers Three-Way Line (-115)
- Under 6.5 Goals (-125)
Brady is the lead NHL and College Football editor at Sports Betting Dime, where he specializes in betting odds and data-driven analysis. Brady has over 10 years experience working in sports media, with work published by outlets such as ESPN, CBS Sports, Yahoo! Sports and Fox Sports.