Alright, hockey fans, buckle up because this NHL playoff matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and the Vegas Golden Knights is about to get even more intense.
After splitting the first two games, both teams are looking to gain an advantage in this closely contested series. But the smart money is on the Oilers to take Game 3 at home and ride their wave of momentum.
Before we get to our picks for this game in the NHL playoffs, you will want to check out our list of the best hockey betting sites and the Vegas odds for the upcoming 2023 NHL playoffs games.
Edmonton Oilers
Let’s talk about the Oilers’ offense, which has been absolutely lethal so far in the playoffs, averaging 4.25 goals per game. Their power play has been nothing short of dominant, scoring 14 goals on 25 attempts (a mind-blowing 56 percent success rate).
Even the most optimistic Oilers fan couldn’t have predicted that kind of power-play precision. With a lineup boasting weapons like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who’s been on fire with goals in five straight games, it’s no wonder the Oilers are lighting the lamp with such ease.
On the other side of the ice, the Golden Knights’ penalty kill has been mediocre at best, and that’s being generous. Their struggles in that department have been well-documented throughout the season, and the Oilers are clearly taking advantage.
The best way to quell an offensive juggernaut like Edmonton is to stay disciplined and minimize penalties, but Vegas has been unable to do that thus far.
And it’s not just the Oilers’ power play that’s causing headaches for the Golden Knights.
Their top guns are all firing on all cylinders, with McDavid posting multi-point performances in six consecutive outings and defenseman Evan Bouchard racking up 14 points in an eight-game point streak, including 12 on the power play.
I would recommend betting on the Oilers to win this game at -175 odds at Bovada.
This high-powered offense has Edmonton feeling confident as they return home for Games 3 and 4.
Las Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas, on the other hand, has some serious soul-searching to do after a lackluster Game 2.
Captain Mark Stone acknowledged that the team didn’t bring their best, and coach Bruce Cassidy lamented the Golden Knights’ lack of competitiveness.
You can’t expect to win a playoff series against a team as potent as the Oilers if you’re not willing to battle for every loose puck and outwork your opponents.
The Golden Knights will need to dig deep and find a way to disrupt Edmonton’s offensive rhythm if they hope to turn this series around.
But let’s be real – the way the Oilers are playing right now, it’s difficult to envision Vegas finding a way to slow them down.
Their attack is relentless, and they’re making teams pay for their mistakes. As Oilers coach Jay Woodcroft put it,
“When teams are undisciplined and run around, it’s one of the ways we can make them pay. One of the ways.”
So, while the Golden Knights will undoubtedly put up a fight, I’m rolling with the Oilers on the moneyline at -175 odds to take a 2-1 series lead. They’ve got the momentum, the home-ice advantage, and an offense that’s clicking on all cylinders.
I would not recommend betting on the Golden Knights to win this game at +150 odds at Bovada.
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Total Goals
And as for the total of 7 goals, I’m feeling the under because that is a very high number. With Vegas needing to tighten up defensively and the Oilers’ power play likely to cool off at least a little.
I think we’ll see a more tightly contested game that won’t quite reach that lofty goal total.
I would recommend betting on under seven goals in this game at -130 odds.
Get ready for a thrilling Game 3 as the Edmonton Oilers look to seize control of this series and show the Vegas Golden Knights that they’re not here to mess around.
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