Oilers vs. Avalanche Western Conference Final Series Odds (Connor McDavid vs. Nathan MacKinnon)

Many people expected the Colorado Avalanche to be playing in the Western Conference Final, but probably not many people predicted that it'd be the Edmonton Oilers that they'd be facing.

Nonetheless, the Oilers have made it through the Battle of Alberta and are deserving of a shot at advancing to the Stanley Cup Final.

The two teams met three times in the regular season, with all three matchups happening late in the season. The Avalanche beat the Oilers 3-2 on March 21, and then again by a final score of 2-1 on April 9th. The Oilers then proved that they can hang with the Avs, beating them 6-3 the third time around on April 22.

Here are the series odds via WynnBET Sportsbook for the Western Conference Final.

Oilers vs. Avalanche Series Odds

• Oilers +200
• Avalance -250

Oilers vs. Avalanche Series Prediction

I don't say this lightly. This series will be MUST-WATCH television. They are two explosive offenses that feature two of the best talents in the game in Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. The two forwards are dynamic, electric, and have an unmatched passion for winning.

Need proof? Check out these goals by each player. One by MacKinnon which is easily the goal of the playoffs so far, and one by McDavid which was arguably the best goal of the regular season.

Now that I'm done yapping about how good this series is going to be, I have to make a pick.

I haven't been a big believer in the Avalanche, but they've stepped it up in the playoffs. Not only that, but they've managed to avoid the teams that I felt would've gave them the biggest issues from a stylistic perspective. The Minnesota Wild and Calgary Flames would've given them fits, in my opinion, but both teams were eliminated before getting their shot at Colorado.

With that being said, I have to give credit where credit is due. I had worries about the Avs defense, but they've been much better in the postseason. In fact, they've allowed the fewest 5-on-5 high-danger scoring chances amongst all teams in the playoffs, averaging only 8.08 per 60 minutes of play.

That's 5.16 fewer than the Oilers, who rank 13th amongst all playoff teams. Edmonton managed to make Calgary goaltender, Jacob Markstrom, look like an amateur last series, but they're going to have trouble finding the same success this time around.

My heart is with the Oilers, but my money will be on the Avalanche. Their depth and defense will prove to be the difference-maker.

Pick: Avalanche -250

You can track Iain's bets on Betstamp here.