It's a Trap: Which NHL Playoff Series Odds is Most Deceiving?

The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs kick off tonight with four games on tap for bettors to enjoy. Two from the East and two from the West. The nightcap for Monday features the Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place in Alberta. This series is of particular interest to me as I see a bit of a trap as far as the series odds go. 

Los Angeles Kings Primed to Upset Oilers

As of Monday afternoon, WynnBET Sportsbook has the Edmonton Oilers are -250 favorites to beat the Kings at +200. Of all the teams listed as plus money underdogs in the opening round, I think the Kings have the best chance at an upset. 

LA Kings legend, and current GM, Rob Blake put together a team built for a Stanley Cup Finals run. Led by veteran center Anze Kopitar, the Kings finished the regular season in the No. 3 spot in the Pacific Division behind the Calgary Flames and the Oilers. While they have strong young talent, it was the wily vets who have taken this team to the next level. Kopitar led the team in goals, but guys like Viktor Arvidsoon and Phillip Danault have done a lot to contribute to LA’s success. 

One of the more surprising veteran performances for the Kings this year came from goalie Jonathan Quick. After a disappointing 2020-21 season, Quick is having his best season since 2017. Quick’s goals-against average of 2.59 and save percentage of .910 kept the Kings afloat during offensive lulls. Quick’s resurgence was particularly clutch after Drew Doughty went down with a wrist injury. The former Norris Trophy winner was the leader of the Kings' defense and has been sorely missed. 

I admit that the Oilers have the edge when it comes to big-name talent in this series. Connor McDavid and Leon Drasaitl could do a lot of damage if not defended tightly. Even if they are, they are going to put up points against LA. But, as a team overall, I think the Kings are better equipped to win this seven games series.