Los Angeles kicked off a five-game win streak with its 4-3 overtime win over the Oilers on Dec. 28 but had it snapped on Saturday in Calgary, losing 2-1 to the Flames in regulation. Despite the setback, the loss marked just the Kings’ fifth defeat in their last 18 games. As a result, no team has a better points percentage (.778) dating back to Nov. 27.

Goaltending, particularly that of Darcy Kuemper, has been a driving force behind the Kings’ recent run of success, as no team has allowed fewer goals per 60 minutes over this span. According to Evolving Hockey, Kuemper ranks 10th in goals saved above expected and fifth in save percentage over his last 10 games. However, the Kings also rank first in expected goals against (per 60) year-to-date, so it’s been a team effort.

The Kings are also tied for 10th in goals per 60 minutes (3.09) over the last six and a half weeks, but offensively, their underlying metrics leave a lot to be desired. Los Angeles ranks 24th in shot attempts and 25th in expected goals, and the Kings’ power play has only converted on 14.7 percent of their opportunities with the man advantage.

Special teams haven’t been all bad, though, as Los Angeles remains one of the best penalty-killing teams in the NHL. On the season, the Kings rank 10th on the kill, with an 81.82 percent success rate, but they’ve been the fifth-best shorthanded team since Nov. 27, killing off 86 percent of penalties.

Handicapping the Oilers (26-16 SU, 16-26 ATS, 18-23-1 O/U)

The Oilers return to Rogers Place for a quick stop after a 3-1 road trip before heading back out for three more games. While Edmonton’s trip was successful overall, they showed some vulnerabilities against Pittsburgh and Chicago. Over their last two games, the Oilers have been outscored 6-1 in the first period, though they managed a comeback win against the Blackhawks with a late goal from Zach Hyman.

These slow starts may be just a temporary issue, as Edmonton has earned more points than any other Western Conference team over the last six and a half weeks. However, starting strong should be a key focus heading into Monday’s matchup against the Kings. Los Angeles ranks 30th in first-period goals scored but has allowed the fewest first-period goals (22) in the league this season. Meanwhile, Edmonton sits 22nd in first-period goals scored and has given up 39 first-period goals, placing them among the league’s bottom half in that category.

Although the Oilers have an edge over the Kings in most categories, Los Angeles grades as the better defensive team. Edmonton will likely need to lean on its offensive firepower to secure two points. No team has scored more goals per 60 minutes than the Oilers over the past two and a half months. If Stuart Skinner can provide solid goaltending, Edmonton should come out on top against a Kings team that has been average offensively.

Both teams excel at suppressing shots and scoring chances, but Edmonton generates significantly more shots than Los Angeles. The Oilers rank first in shots per 60 minutes this season, while the Kings sit 23rd. However, despite winning eight of 13 regular-season matchups against the Kings since the start of the 2021-22 season, Edmonton has outshot Los Angeles in just one of those games.

Best Bet for Kings vs. Oilers

Connor McDavid Anytime Goal (+170) at Sports Interaction

Connor McDavid turns 28 on Monday, and what better way to celebrate than by finding the back of the net? That said, McDavid has been snake bitten lately, with just one goal in his last 10 games, despite generating 5.25 expected goals—second-highest on the team. For comparison, Leon Draisaitl, who ranks third with 5.16 expected goals over the same span, has tallied eight goals in his last 10 games. Moreover, McDavid has seven goals in his last 13 regular season games versus Los Angeles dating back to the start of 2021-22. Sports Interaction is offering the best odds (+170) for the birthday boy to score on Monday.

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Kings vs. Oilers Odds

Handicapping the Kings (24-16 SU, 21-19 ATS, 13-24-3 O/U)

Handicapping the Oilers (26-16 SU, 16-26 ATS, 18-23-1 O/U)

Best Bet for Kings vs. Oilers

Connor McDavid Anytime Goal (+170) at Sports Interaction

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