Sportsgrid-Staff

Vegas Strongly Favored Despite Lack of Home Ice Advantage

<h1 class="" data-start="236" data-end="296">Vegas Golden Knights vs. Edmonton Oilers: The Real Western Final Comes Early</h1>
<h2 class="" data-start="298" data-end="355">Even the Books Can’t Call It: A True Pick&#8217;em Clash</h2>
As the puck drops on this heavyweight series, most sportsbooks have it dead even or nearly so. Some opened at -110 both ways, while others gave a slight nod to the road-advantaged Oilers (-115). It marks the third straight series where the favorite lacks home ice—a rare but telling trend in these playoffs.
Edmonton enters off a convincing six-game disposal of the Kings. Vegas handled Minnesota with more pushback than expected but still advanced in six. The lines are tight, and the oddsmakers’ message is clear: this is the real Western Conference Final, and it’s anybody’s series.
Betting Insight: Early sharp money has leaned slightly toward Vegas in 7 (+475) and Edmonton in 6 (+400)—reflecting expectations for a long, hard-fought series. The Over 5.5 Games in the Series market is heavily juiced at -190.
<hr class="" data-start="1213" data-end="1216" />
<h2 class="" data-start="1218" data-end="1271">The Pickard Question: Can a Hot Hand Stay Hot?</h2>
The Oilers’ goaltending situation has been one of the strangest postseason developments. Calvin Pickard, a career backup with zero prior playoff starts, came in mid-series against LA and never looked back. He was fine, not phenomenal—but he was steady, and that’s all Edmonton needed.
Still, Pickard vs. Vegas’ deep, opportunistic attack is another level entirely.
Betting Insight: Expect markets to shift if Pickard falters early. Game 1 moneyline leans Edmonton -115, but goalie uncertainty could flip live odds quickly. For player props, bettors may want to fade Pickard’s save total (often set around 26.5) against a disciplined Vegas team that prefers quality over volume.
<hr class="" data-start="1975" data-end="1978" />
<h2 class="" data-start="1980" data-end="2031">Vegas Plays Grown-Up Hockey—And That Matters</h2>
Vegas may not win the chaos battle, but they own the game in tight margins. They don’t panic. They don’t collapse. They don’t hand away two-goal leads like the Kings. With Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, William Karlsson, and Alex Pietrangelo anchoring the structure, this team wins with discipline and experience.
They also know how to frustrate Edmonton. Remember, Vegas knocked the Oilers out in 2023—a series where Edmonton often beat themselves.
Betting Insight: Look for Vegas live lines if Edmonton scores first. The Golden Knights’ ability to battle back late in periods is elite, and they’ve been profitable live underdogs after the first period all postseason.
<hr class="" data-start="2728" data-end="2731" />
<h2 class="" data-start="2733" data-end="2785">Connor McDavid Watch: Quiet Start Could Explode Soon</h2>
Here’s the scary part: McDavid hasn’t exploded yet. He was uncharacteristically quiet in Round 1, letting Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins carry the load. If history holds, the second round is when McDavid usually goes nuclear.
Prop Watch: McDavid’s Over/Under points line will remain at 1.5 per game, often juiced to the over. Value could come in the multi-point game markets (+190 to +220) or the Conn Smythe futures, where he’s still lurking at +600.
<hr class="" data-start="3289" data-end="3292" />
<h2 class="" data-start="3294" data-end="3334">The Winner Likely Goes to the Cup</h2>
Both squads know what’s at stake. The Stars and Avalanche may still have something to say, but most bettors and analysts agree: this series likely produces the Western Conference champion. Edmonton’s speed vs. Vegas’ structure. McDavid vs. Stone. Pickard vs. Hill.
Futures Alert: The winner of this series will almost certainly see their Cup odds drop below +300. Currently:
<ul data-start="3723" data-end="3933">
<li class="" data-start="3723" data-end="3758">
Edmonton: +450 to win the Cup
</li>
<li class="" data-start="3759" data-end="3776">
Vegas: +600
</li>
<li class="" data-start="3777" data-end="3933">
Exact Final combos (Florida vs. Edmonton or Vegas) are both in the +900 to +1100 range, with many bettors loading up on Florida-Vegas at 10/1.
</li>
</ul>
<hr class="" data-start="3935" data-end="3938" />
<h2 class="" data-start="3940" data-end="3987">Final Take: Bet the Drama, Hedge the Outcome</h2>
This is the rare series where you don’t need a side to find value. Between game totals, goal scorer props, save totals, and exact series results, there are layers of betting opportunity. If you’re backing Vegas, it’s about maturity and matchups. If you’re on Edmonton, it’s belief in elite talent taking over.
The best approach? Bet the series to go long, sprinkle Conn Smythe futures, and watch for in-game momentum shifts—because this one will turn on a bounce, a block, or a goaltending gamble.
You can read all about what&#8217;s going on in the National Hockey League at <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl">SportsGrid.com</a>.

The Vegas Golden Knights Strongly Favored

Discover the top remaining free agents, including star players and key signings. Carver and Cam look at the updated Stanley Cup Odds since free agency began.

NHL Free Agency Update: Key Players & Market Moves

The Big Beautiful Bill may alter gambling tax norms by limiting loss deductions to 90% of winnings. Craig Mish dives into the potential impact of this bill.

New Tax Rules for Sports Betting Losses Could Be Coming in 2025

Mitch Marner's transfer to the Vegas Golden Knights from Toronto marks a key shift to a title-chasing team. Marner will face less pressure on a nightly basis.

Mitch Marner Embraces New Life with Vegas Golden Knights

LATEST VIDEOS

Calvin Pickard,Connor McDavid,Leon Draisaitl,Ryan Nugent-Hopkins,Zach Hyman,Alex Pietrangelo,Jack Eichel,Mark Stone,William Karlsson,Edmonton Oilers,Edmonton  AB,Western Conference,Pacific Division,Vegas Golden Knights,Vegas  NV

keywords

twitter:card

twitter:title

https://sg-images-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/thumnbail-webp/article/2084698-1920x1080.webp?v=1751506273

twitter:image

thumbnail

google

One of the premier matchups in the second round of the NHL playoffs is the series between the heavily favored Vegas Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers.

description

expires

robots

og:locale

og:site_name

og:type

og:title

og:description

og:image

og:image:type

og:image:width

og:image:height

og:image:secure_url

article:published_time

article:modified_time

Predicting Landing Spots for the Top 30 NHL Free Agents

Ranking the Top 20 NHL Stars Likely to Be Traded in Summer 2025

Ranking the Top 30 NHL Unrestricted Free Agents in 2025

2025 NHL Draft: Recapping the Losers and Winners

TSN's Craig Button's 2025 NHL Mock Draft Lottery Edition

Ranking the Top 10 NHL Stars Likely to Be Traded in Summer 2025

Ranking the Top 25 NHL Unrestricted Free Agents in 2025

Sports Illustrated’s 2025 NHL Mock Draft: Top 21 Picks

Ranking the Top 20 NHL Unrestricted Free Agents in 2025

2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs: Conn Smythe Award Trends

SportsMillions: Pick'em, Blitz'em and Social Casino

Comment

Home

Articles

SportsGrid is your source for the best sports bets today. Watch SportsGrid for live sports news coverage, scores, odds, moneylines, sports betting tips & more.

sportsgrid.com

Ferrall Coast To Coast

College Football Today

NFL Pro Football Today

Bare Knuckle Fighting Main Event

The Early Line Live

SportsRage Tonight Live

NewsWire Live

The Bostonian Vs. The Book

Bare Knuckle Fighting Knuckle Up

MODUS Super Series Darts

Gametime Decisions Live

Fantasy Sports Today

The Smylie Kaufman Show

NHL Today

2025 NFL Draft Special

Ferrall Coast To Coast US Open Special

2025 NBA Draft SportsGrid Special

OUR SHOWS

NBA's Malik Beasley faces a lawsuit over gambling issues. Maryland updates its sports betting regulations. More betting updates you need to know inside!

NBA Star Malik Beasley Embroiled in Betting Scandal

We cover a jam-packed day in the MLB! The Dodgers continue their streak as Kershaw nears 3000 strikeouts. Tune in for expert analysis and predictions!

MLB Best Bets: Dodges Dominate, Kershaw's Chase; Wednesday Games

The John Deere Classic in Silvis, IL—spotlighting premier PGA stars and vibrant venue views. Experience exhilarating golf at its best! Stay tuned for more!

John Deere Classic 2025 Best Bets: Top Picks and Odds

NFL division rivalries; get insights on top teams, key matchups, betting insights, and which teams could emerge as playoff contenders or fall short. All inside!

NFC and AFC West and North Football Preview and Best Bets

LATEST SPORTSGRID VIDEOS

Wherever you are, SportsGrid can be there too. Here are all of the platforms and subscription services you can find us on and how to watch SportsGrid today.

Where to Watch SportsGrid | How to Watch SportsGrid | SportsGrid

Samsung TV Plus

Roku TV

FireTV

LG Channels

Vizio

Xiaomi

VIDAA

SportsGrid is free to watch on any of the following Connected TV’s

FREE ON MY TV

Amazon Prime Video

YouTube TV

FuboTV

Plex

Sling Tv

FreeCast

Local Now

Stremium

Rad TV

Free Live Sports

SportsGrid is free to watch on any of the following Streaming services

LIVE STREAMING SERVICES

Sirius XM

Sports.Tv

YouTube

Download the new SportsGrid app, watch on SportsGrid.com or our YouTube Channel

WEB/MOBILE

SportsGrid is free to watch on any of the following platforms

ALL PARTNERS

Wherever you are, SportsGrid can be there too. Here are all of the platforms and subscription services you can find us on:

WHERE TO WATCH SPORTSGRID

MORE ARTICLES

Sports Betting

Sportsbook Promos

Social Casinos