2022 NHL Playoffs Odds: Edmonton Oilers vs Colorado Avalanche Game 1 Betting Analysis

While we wait for the Rangers and Hurricanes to play Game 7 for the right to face the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference Final, we already know what the Western Conference looks like. Both the Oilers and the Avalanche have had some time off to rest up, but that break ends on Tuesday night, when they will meet for Game 1 of the Western Conference Final. Given how things have gone through the playoffs for these teams, anyone hoping for a defensive battle might be seriously out of luck. Both teams have some serious firepower, so expect to see a ton of offense over the course of 4-7 games, depending how long it goes. The Avalanche are in as the Game 1 favorites, with the goal total set at 6 ½. Let’s analyze both teams and how they stack up against each other so you can make your bets against the NHL Playoffs Odds.

Stanley Cup Western Conference Finals Betting: Oilers versus Avalanche Preview

Oilers at Colorado Game 1 Info

When: Tuesday, May 31 at 8 PM EST
Where: Ball Arena, Denver
TV: ESPN

Why bet on the Edmonton Oilers

When you have the best player in the world in your lineup, you have a chance to win every single night. Connor McDavid led the league in points in the regular season, and he is now tearing it up in the playoffs, but it has not been a one-man crusade for the Oilers. They needed all hands on deck to get past the LA Kings in 7 games in Round 1, and then went on a tear after losing Game 1 to the Calgary Flames, winning 4 in a row to take the series. The goals have been coming thick and fast for the Oilers, who are going to need that offense against a stacked Colorado team. The Oilers have won 4 of their last 5 games as an underdog and have gone 6-1 SU in their last 7 following a game where they scored 5 or more goals. The OVER has hit in 4 of their last 5.

Why bet on the Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche made things looks ridiculously easy in Round 1, blowing past the Nashville Predators in a 4-game sweep. They had a tougher go of things in Round 2 against a stubborn St. Louis Blues team, needing 6 games to get past them. This figures to be an even tougher series for Colorado, as they had their hands full with the Oilers in the regular season. They won 2 of their 3 games, including their lone game at home, but both wins were by a single goal. We talked about the firepower that the Oilers bring to the table, but Colorado is actually 11-2 SU when facing a team that scored 5 or more goals in their previous outing. They are also 6-0 SU in their last 6 games played on a Tuesday night. In terms of the goal total, the UNDER has hit in 12 of their last 16 games versus teams from the Pacific Division.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

While I expect there to be a ton of goals in this series, I think we might be looking at a bit of a cagey affair in Game 1, and I would not be surprised to see OT come into play here. I do like the Avalanche to get the Game 1 win on home ice.

NHL Playoffs Betting Pick: Edmonton Oilers 2 Colorado Avalanche 3

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