Oilers vs Avalanche G1: NHL Conference Finals Odds

A Superstar-Sized Matchup Starts in Colorado

A battle of superstars headlines the Colorado Avalanche and Edmonton Oilers series with the NHL Conference Final odds heavily favoring Colorado. The Avalanche have won four straight Game 1s and are 5-1 in the last three playoffs series. Historically, home teams that win Game 1 go on to win three out of every four playoff series. But Connor McDavid could lead his Oilers to push Nathan MacKinnon’s Avalanche.

Oilers vs Avalanche Game Info

Oilers Rolling Into Colorado Hot

The Edmonton Oilers could not be stopped against the Calgary Flames. This was not just a provincial rivalry. Edmonton averaged five goals per game against arguably the best defense in the NHL.

Of course, McDavid led the charge by scoring 12 points but it was his fellow superstar Leon Draisaitl that led the series in scoring with a whopping 17 points. The German set an NHL record with the most points in a five-game series and he did all of that with a bum ankle.

Not to be lost in the McDavid-Draisaitl-love, is the elevated play of their teammates. Evander Kane, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and Zach Hyman all had big moments in the series and combined for 13 of Edmonton’s 25 goals. Mike Smith also established himself well in net despite the brutal start in Game 1. As far as NHL betting tips are concerned, the Oilers are not a bad underdog pick.

Avalanche Are Game 1 Monsters

The Colorado Avalanche’s standings is not the same as last season but that is for a good reason as the team likely evades the Presidents’ Trophy curse. Still, Colorado dominated just as much as the NHL’s best 5v5 unit thanks to a lineup that features a long list of stars.

If the Oilers have McDavid and Draisaitl, the Avalanche have MacKinnon and Cale Makar. The former has been a perennial Hart Trophy contender while the latter could be the NHL’s best defenseman for many years to come. The duo has combined for 11 goals and 26 points this postseason.

If Colorado looks to continue dominating, it will need more contributions from several of its key players. Mikko Rantanen has just one goal in the playoffs despite leading the team with 36 in the regular season. Darcy Kuemper has been “okay” in net but he will need to pick it up against the red-hot Oilers.

The New Crosby vs Ovechkin?

The NHL Final odds have Colorado as the favorite and Edmonton as the least likely champion. But this may be a boon for McDavid and his Oilers as this could mean less pressure on them. Neither Colorado nor Edmonton is a big market team but a superstar match-up like this, could be just what the NHL needs.

It’s rare to see the two best players in the NHL, outside of Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin face each other. McDavid has won more accolades and has heftier point totals but MacKinnon has been the centerpiece of the more successful Avalanche.

Individually, McDavid is the better player but MacKinnon has the better team. The Oilers have turned a corner since Jay Woodcroft took over behind the bench so maybe the betting odds are not as lopsided as they should be. Either way, this is must-see TV.

Oilers vs Avalanche Betting Trends

The Edmonton Oilers are 1-2 in the NHL Conference Finals since last winning the Stanley Cup in 1992. This is the Colorado Avalanche’s first NHL Conference Finals appearance since 2002.

Colorado is 5-4-1 against Edmonton in their last 10 meetings. Both teams have scored 32 goals each. Edmonton has an advantage on special teams even if Colorado has had 14 more power-play opportunities.

The total has gone over in four of Edmonton’s last five games. On the flip side, the total has gone under in 12 of Colorado’s last 16 games against the Pacific Division.

Colorado has stayed as favorites to win the Stanley Cup per the NHL Final odds. The last preseason favorite to win the Stanley Cup is the Tampa Bay Lightning and is the only team to have done it in the last four seasons.

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