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NHL Playoffs Best Bets, Picks & Predictions: Saturday (5/6)

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Just one game in the NHL tonight, but it should be a good one. Both teams showed off the offense in Game 1, totaling ten goals between them. Edmonton faces another 0-1 deficit. Can they overcome it again?

Saturday's Best NHL Bets

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.

Edmonton Oilers (-125) at Vegas Golden Knights (+104) | O/U 6.5 (-140/+114)

To show how good the Oilers have been recently, Game 1 marked their first regulation loss since March 11. The scoring offense was the best in the league, but they also played well on defense in the last round by keeping the Kings to a 46.69 expected goal percentage. Leon Draisaital was terrific in the first round and kept the momentum going by scoring all four of Edmonton's goals, giving him a playoff-best 11 through seven games.

The offense has done its part, but Stuart Skinner had another disastrous performance in net. He's ranked near the bottom amongst all playoff goalies with -3.6 goals saved above expected, and -0.54 wins above replacement. You wonder how long they can stick with him.

I don't think you can put the entire blame on Skinner. The Golden Knights’ offense was impossible to stop. The blue line could not contain them. The Knights were getting great opportunities near the crease and finished at a 66.67 expected goal rate.

Mark Stone had a goal and an assist. Chandler Stephenson scored. Jack Eichel sealed the game with an empty netter. All three have at least four goals and seven points in the playoffs.

It looks like Vegas will continue to ride with Laurent Brossoit in goal. Game 1 wasn't his best effort, but it's been impossible to stop Draisaital most of the year. Brossoit is still playing well, with 2.67 goals allowed per game.

Over the last two years, the Oilers have lost four straight series opening matchups. They've gone on to win Game 2 in three of them. This team has too much talent. We'll see some of the other playmakers get involved and head to Alberta tied at one.

Best Pick: Oilers ML (-125)

Since there is just one game, I'll give out an additional pick. The Oilers and Golden Knights are the two best-scoring offenses in the playoffs. Edmonton was the best offense in the regular season, while Vegas was just above average. Both blue lines are good but not great. It’s the same with the goaltending. The value on the over isn't good enough to tell you to take it first, but it's another one I like.

Pick: Over 6.5 Goals (-140)

Also, take a look at our other best bets for Tuesday:


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