Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals features a clash between Pacific Division rivals, the Vegas Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers. Vegas will host the series opener at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada.
The Golden Knights advanced to this round after a hard-fought six-game series victory over the Minnesota Wild. Across the ice, the Edmonton Oilers, led by superstar Connor McDavid, also required six games in their first-round matchup, rallying from a two-game deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Kings. The two teams split their regular-season series meetings.
Betting Odds
According to the latest odds, the Vegas Golden Knights enter Game 1 as the favorites on the money line at -136. The Edmonton Oilers are listed as the underdogs at +115. The over/under for total goals scored is set at six. On the puck line, the Golden Knights are -1.5 at +184, while the Oilers are +1.5 at -225.
Key Predictions
Predictions for the game have been generated by a sophisticated projection model that simulates every NHL game.
Oilers +1.5 on the puck line (-225)
One significant prediction favors the Edmonton Oilers covering the +1.5 puck line. This forecast is supported by recent head-to-head results, where Edmonton has won and covered the puck line in their last two contests against Vegas, including a 3-2 victory in Paradise on April 1. Additionally, the Golden Knights` recent form shows narrow victories, with their last three wins all decided by just one goal, suggesting a potential for a close game where the Oilers could stay within one goal. The projection model indicates a high probability (approaching 70%) of the Oilers covering this spread.
Leon Draisaitl 2+ points (+125)
Another prediction highlights individual player performance, specifically Leon Draisaitl to record two or more points. The German forward has been highly productive in the postseason, tallying 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) through six games against the Kings. He also had success against the Golden Knights during the regular season, registering four points (2 goals, 2 assists) in four games, often facing goaltender Adin Hill. Hill allowed two or more goals in each game during the first-round series against Minnesota. This player prop is offered at +125 odds.
