We have just one game on the docket for Monday. Thankfully, it's a high-octane matchup loaded with stars. Let's take a look at the best ways to attack it.
Golden Knights (+160) @ Oilers (-190)
The Oilers were arguably the league's best team down the stretch, going 20-4-1 over their final 25 games while posting remarkably strong numbers across the board.
They controlled better than 55% of the expected goal share at five-on-five, a top-five rate. Couple that with the league's most dangerous power play, and it was an unmatched recipe for success.
We're seeing that same recipe these playoffs, with the Oilers owning an xG share above 53% and averaging nearly two power-play markers per night.
That makes them an extremely difficult side for any team to slow. The Golden Knights looked as sound defensively as any team in the opening round but don't appear to have any sort of solution for the Oilers, especially with Laurent Brossoit starting to regress.
Brossoit has conceded at least four goals in each game thus far, stopping only 50 of 59 shots (.847 save percentage).
He managed only an .895 save percentage in the NHL last season before losing his gig for the better part of a year. He is starting to look like that guy rather than the one who posted a .927 SV% down the stretch of the regular season to earn himself the opportunity to start playoff games.
Led by Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, the Oilers are loaded with high-end players who can score at an extremely healthy rate. If the opposing goaltender isn't at the top of his game, we will see goals in bunches for the Oilers.
They've netted nine through two games despite Bruce Cassidy having control of the matchups. With Jay Woodcroft now able to shelter some players and get his big guns in more advantageous offensive situations, I don't see things getting any better for the Knights.
Look for Edmonton's offense to lead the charge en route to a win inside 60 minutes.
Bet: Oilers in regulation (-115)
Evan Bouchard over 0.5 assists (-132)
Death, taxes, and Bouchard assists. The highly skilled puck-moving defenseman has registered at least one assist in seven straight playoff games, accumulating 11.
Bouchard has spent nearly 80% of his five-on-five minutes playing behind McDavid. Naturally, that leads to a lot of point-producing opportunities. So too does quarterbacking a historically good power play.
What I love about Bouchard is there are multiple paths to victory on any given night. He doesn't need a bunch of power plays to find success. Playing so much with McDavid, he has a real chance at getting the job done even if Edmonton isn't getting favorable whistles.
He isn't just a passer, either. Bouchard has attempted six shots or more in six of eight playoff games. That opens the door for deflections and rebound opportunities since - being a defenseman often shooting from range - the goaltender is very likely to make the save.
Jack Eichel over 3.5 shots (+105)
Most star offensive players generate shots at a higher clip at home than on the road. Oftentimes, the gap can be significant. Eichel is not one of those guys.
He recorded four shots or more in 53% of road games, a stark contrast from his 37% success rate in Vegas.
His road success has continued early in these playoffs. He has only played two away games thus far but totaled 11 shots on 15 attempts and did the job on both occasions.
The Oilers are vulnerable to opposing centers - they give up a lot of shots to the position - and Eichel has taken advantage, hitting in five of his last seven versus Edmonton, including the first two games of the series.
I expect Vegas will need to score to keep up. That means Eichel should get plenty of ice and be pushing to generate offense.
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.
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