Oilers or Rangers: Which Underdog is a Bigger Threat to Advance to Stanley Cup Finals

The NHL Conference Finals are set, beginning tonight with the Colorado Avalanche taking on the Edmonton Oilers.

Many predicted that the Lightning and Avalanche would be in this spot, but the Oilers and Rangers are the surprise teams of the bunch. As a result, they're both set as sizable underdogs to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.

That begs the question, which of the two underdogs is the better bet to win their conference?

Let's take a look at the odds first, and then I'll give my pick. The odds listed below are via WynnBET Sportsbook.

Odds to Win the NHL Conference Finals

Eastern Conference Final Odds

• New York Rangers +145
• Tampa Bay Lightning -175

Western Conference Final Odds

• Edmonton Oilers +200
• Colorado Avalanche -250

Which Underdog Has a Better Chance of Winning Conference Final?

Despite the oddsmakers seemingly thinking that the Rangers have a better chance between the two underdogs, I actually like the Oilers at +200.

Rangers' goaltender Igor Shesterkin has dragged this team to this round. The only issue, is that now he faces the only other goalie in the NHL that you could argue is better than him. Not only is he another elite goalie, but he has the experience of back-to-back Stanley Cup championships.

The Lightning, as a whole, are built to succeed in the playoffs. They have depth at every position, and now will seemingly have their easiest opponent of the playoffs to date.

Meanwhile, the Avalanche have had by far the easiest path to the Conference Final. They beat a lowly Predators team in the first round, and then beat up a subpar Blues team in the second round. Their defense was susceptible in the regular season, and now they take on one of the best offensive teams in the NHL in the Conference Final.

The line of Connor McDavid, Evander Kane, and Leon Draisaitl is by far the best and most dynamic line in the league, and they're going to cause the Avalanche some trouble. Not only that, but they've been getting better goaltending than the Avs so far in the postseason.

Give me the Oilers to upset the Avalanche at +200 and advance to the Stanley Cup Finals.

You can track Iain's bets on Betstamp here.