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Round 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs has been box office, but the best-of-seven between the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings has arguably been the best series of the bunch.
The Kings and Oilers have combined to score 37 goals through four contests, and there have been two last-minute goals to either win or tie a game.
Add in some controversial calls, fisticuffs and mesmerizing skill from two of the league’s best players, and you’ve got just about everything a fan could have hoped for in a playoff series.
The series shifts back to Los Angeles on Tuesday night for a pivotal Game 5. Will things settle down?
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Oilers vs. Kings Game 5 betting preview
It’s hard not to get wrapped up in the drama in this series but, as bettors, we have to ask ourselves if this series is going to settle down now that we’re into the business end.
The Oilers likely will hope the answer to that question is no, as their best path to success against the Kings is to get them to engage in these high-event contests.
The Los Angeles Kings are a -120 favorite to advance to Round 2. NHLI via Getty ImagesLos Angeles spent the entire regular season putting up some of the best defensive numbers in the NHL, but they’ve looked like a different team in this series.
Part of that is because the Kings are playing against Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl over and over, but it is still surprising to see Los Angeles struggling in its own zone.
Oilers vs. Kings Game 5 pick
Perhaps the Oilers have cracked the code on how to break down the Kings, but the overall body of work from Los Angeles this season suggests it’s more likely than not that it gets back on track.
If the Kings can find their bearings defensively, they should gain control of this series and never look back.
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Los Angeles is the deeper team, and it has a significant advantage in goal. Now, the Kings just need to get this matchup back on their terms.
Los Angeles is a -134 favorite to win Game 5, but I prefer the slightly cheaper price on the Kings to win this series.
The Play: Kings series moneyline (-120)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
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