Oilers The Favorite to Win Game 1 vs Golden Knights

What: Edmonton Oilers vs Vegas Golden Knights - 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs second-round Game 1
Where: T-Mobile Arena
When: Wednesday, May 3rd at 9:30 PM ET

One of the most intriguing 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs second-round series of the lot will officially begin on Wednesday evening in Sin City as Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers visit the Vegas Golden Knights for Game 1. The puck is scheduled to drop at 9:30 PM ET. Edmonton took down the Los Angeles Kings in the opening round for the second straight year, while Vegas beat up the Winnipeg Jets in five games. Find the Oilers vs Golden Knights Game 1 picks below.

Before we get into the odds and prediction for this contest, make sure to check out our online sportsbook reviews, and the top NHL betting sites.

Oilers vs Golden Knights Game 1 Odds

Team
Edmonton Oilers	-114	-115	-115
Vegas Golden Knights	+103	-105	-105

The odds are relatively even here but at BetOnline, the Oilers are the favorite with -114 odds. The Golden Knights come back at +103. Vegas was first in the West during the regular season, finishing two points above second-place Edmonton. As for recent meetings, the Oilers won two of three in 2022-23.

Game 1 Preview

Edmonton is always seen as a serious contender in the Western Conference but they've yet to actually make a Cup run. The Oilers got close last season, eventually losing to the Avalanche in the conference finals. This time around, it looks like Jay Woodcroft's group has a legitimate chance of going all the way if they can get past the mighty Golden Knights.

It wasn't easy, but Edmonton managed to eliminate a familiar foe in the Kings, winning the final three games of the series. Every single matchup except for two was decided by just one goal as well. Saturday was the clincher for the Oilers, who won it 5-4 on the road thanks to Kailer Yamamoto, who scored late in the third period to seal the deal.

Leon Draisaitl and McDavid certainly did their part in the first round. The German finished with 11 points, while McDavid, arguably the best player in hockey, registered 10 points, including seven assists. Evan Bouchard was also a pleasant surprise with 10 points.

The Golden Knights ended up losing the first game of their last series with the Jets. However, that proved to be a big wake-up call as the West's best club bounced back and won four in a row, dominating Winnipeg in the process. Vegas scored 3.8 goals per night in the opening round and conceded just 2.8, showing exactly why they're a force to be reckoned with.

Bruce Cassidy's group comes into Game 1 well-rested, having taken care of the Jets last Thursday in a convincing 4-1 win at home. Chandler Stephenson led the way in the first round with eight points and scored twice in Game 5. Mark Stone, who just returned from injury, made his presence felt with eight points as well.

Although the Golden Knights actually played better on the road this season, their home arena should be rocking Wednesday. For what it's worth, their only win against the Oilers this year did come at T-Mobile as well by a score of 4-3 back in late February.