The 2022 NHL Playoffs are now in the home stretch as we get set for Oilers vs Avalanche in what might be the most talent-laden Western Conference Finals in NHL history. It has been two decades since either of these storied franchises has even sniffed a chance at hoisting the Stanley Cup. With so much talent at the top of each of these rosters, the fate of the series may lie in the ability to find production further down the depth chart. There are no less than 10 bonified superstars in this series but do not be shocked if the hero of this Oilers vs Avalanche NHL betting series ends up being someone who has lived mostly in the shadows.
Let’s take a look at the betting odds and season history for the series, and give our Oilers vs Avalanche NHL Playoffs Western Conference Finals prediction.
Oilers vs Avalanche NHL Playoffs Series Preview and Stream
NHL Playoffs Western Conference Finals
Edmonton Oilers (49-27-6, 105 pts) vs. Colorado Avalanche (56-19-7, 119 pts)
Venues: Rogers Place – Edmonton, AB, CAN; Ball Arena – Denver, CO
Coverage: TNT
Goaltending: EDM: Mike Smith (8-3/2.70/.927) | COL: Darcy Kuemper (6-2/2.44/.904)
Oilers vs Avalanche Record | Regular Season History
Often times, regular-season contests between two teams just do not give us much information as to how an NHL Playoffs series will pan out. This is very much not the case with the upcoming Oilers vs Avalanche clash.
These two teams did not face each other until the final five weeks of the season. They proceeded to play three times in that very short stretch, needing an extra period on the first two occasions. Given the way each teams goaltender is currently playing, the regular season final scores of 3-2 in overtime and 2-1 in a shootout are likely an exact indication of the type of games we will see in this series.
The Oilers topped off the regular-season series with a 6-3 victory that for our intents and purposes can be thrown out the window. We do not expect more than maybe one blowout in this series, and even that may be unlikely. These teams are loaded with talent and ambition, and in many ways mirror each other, which will be seen even more clearly as the series rolls on.
Oilers vs Avalanche NHL Playoffs Series Betting Odds
NHL Betting odds for Oilers vs Avalanche are taken from BetUS Sportsbook.
Moneyline: EDM: (+210) | COL: (-250)
Series Total Games: 5.5 — Over: (-175) | Under: (+135) / 6.5 — Over: (+225) | Under: (-350)
Series Spread: EDM: +1.5 (-125) | COL: -1.5 (-105) / EDM: -1.5 (+325) | COL: +1.5 (-550)
Public Betting via Action Network: EDM: (35%) | COL: (65%)
Odds to Win Stanley Cup: EDM: (+550) | COL: (+120)
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Oilers vs Avalanche NHL Playoffs Series Keys to Victory
Edmonton Oilers Preview
Right now, the Oilers success or failure lies in the hands of two people; Connor McDavid and Mike Smith. The Oilers’ biggest flaw is the fact that they are overly reliant on these two key players. If one falters, disaster is virtually inevitable. Despite all of his greatness, McDavid has flopped in the NHL Playoffs up until this year. Meanwhile, Mike Smith is constantly surrounded by questions of consistency. Both have been phenomenal on their way to this Western Conference Finals but will need to be even better to beat a juggernaut like Colorado.
As a team, the Oilers will have to be better defensively as the Avalanche have more weapons and a greater ability to put the puck in the net than their previous opponent in Calgary. If they continue to allow an average of over 35 shots on goal, they will lose this series.
Colorado Avalanche Preview
The Avalanche struggled with the Blues much more than the Predators not only because St. Louis is a better team, but because Cale Makar was a non-factor on the score sheet. We have stressed the importance of keeping Makar involved in every Avalanche series preview so far, and that series with the Blues showed you why. In four games against the Predators, Makar racked up 10 points via three goals and seven assists. His performance was highlighted by an unheard-of 12 shots on goal in game two. On the other side of that coin is the Blues series in which Makar was held to just one assist on three different occasions.
Colorado is deeper than Edmonton, so when their stars struggle, they are fortunate to have players further down the roster who can step up. That is what we expect to see in this series.
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Oilers vs Avalanche NHL Playoffs Series Prediction
This Oilers vs Avalanche NHL Playoffs series is a difficult one to cap with regards to affordable betting lines. We have the Avalanche winning this series, as well as the Stanley Cup itself, but what is the best way to bet this series without laying heavy juice?
There are a few options available. We see this series going at least six games, with a good chance at seven. Based on team history, the Avalanche are likely to steal a game on the road. Meanwhile, the Oilers are likely to blow a game at home. Because of this, we lean toward a six game series and will be taking the Avalanche series spread. For those of you who think the series goes seven, it’s tough to blame you. The +225 odds off an incredibly enticing number. This price almost seems almost like a gift in a series as promising and as tight as this one.
The other option for those who want a better price on the Avalanche would be to root for the Oilers in Game 1. If Colorado finds itself in an early hole, its price will become much more affordable. This will offer bettors a chance to back the Stanley Cup favorites much closer to even money.
Our NHL betting Oilers vs Avalanche playoff prediction will be the Colorado Avalanche laying 1.5 games on the series spread at BetUS Sportsbook.
Oilers vs Avalanche Prediction and NHL Playoffs Picks
Oilers vs Avalanche Series Prediction: Colorado Avalanche -1.5 games (-105 at BetUS)
