Fanatics Sportsbook promo for Stanley Cup playoffs: Oilers vs. Golden Knights predictions, odds

It wasn’t pretty for the Edmonton Oilers, but they managed to dispatch the Los Angeles Kings in Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the fourth year running.

The Oilers relied heavily on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to power past the Kings, but it was timely goaltending from journeyman Calvin Pickard that changed the series.

Edmonton’s formula for success will need to change considerably if it wants to get past the Vegas Golden Knights in Round 2.

The Knights are a -138 favorite to win Game 1 at the Fortress, but the bookmakers have the series lined as a pick’em. 

Fanatics Sportsbook promo for Stanley Cup playoffs

Fanatics Sportsbook is offering new users a $1,000 no sweat first bet sign-up bonus or a bet $30 and receive $300 in bonus bets promotion.

Oilers vs. Golden Knights Game 1 betting preview 

The Oilers are a top-heavy team.

Edmonton tried to shore up its depth by acquiring Jeff Skinner, Viktor Arvidsson, Jake Walman and Trent Frederic, but this team will only go as far as McDavid and Draisaitl take it. 

The Knights also have some serious star power at the top of their roster, but they’re a much deeper team than Edmonton, especially on the blueline. 

Jack Eichel and the Golden Knights are -138 favorites in Game 1 against the Oilers. NHLI via Getty Images

And while no team can match the 1-2 punch down the middle that McDavid and Draisaitl provide for Edmonton, the Knights can at least answer it with Jack Eichel and Tomas Hertl.

Eichel will be especially important in this series, given his underrated two-way game. If he can slow down either one of Edmonton’s top guns, the Knights will have a clear path to victory in this series.

Betting on the NHL?

• Check out the best NHL betting sites
• Read our expert guide on how to bet on the NHL

Oilers vs. Golden Knights Game 1 pick

Throw in a big edge in goal with Adin Hill over Pickard, and I don’t see how Vegas isn’t a clear favorite to win this best-of-seven.

The Play: Golden Knights series moneyline (-110, Fanatics)

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.

New customers, 21+ and physically present in AZ, NJ, MI, PA. New customers who wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer are eligible to receive $100 in Bonus Bets each day for your first three 3 days. You must wager $10+ each day to be eligible for the Rewards each day. Terms apply – see Fanatics Sportsbook app.