Colorado Avalanche at Edmonton Oilers Betting Preview/Prop Picks

Game 4 of the NHL Western Conference Finals is set for Monday night, and it could be the last game of the series. The Colorado Avalanche come into this game with a 3-0 series lead, and that will have the Edmonton Oilers playing desperate hockey in this game. 

Colorado has lost just two games so far in the playoffs, and they are looking for their second sweep during this run. The Avalanche are the betting favorites to win the Stanley Cup, and they have been in that spot nearly all season long. 

Edmonton was viewed as a team that could challenge Colorado if given the opportunity, but that just hasn’t been the case. The Oilers upset the Calgary Flames in the second round, but they have struggled with the Avalanche. 

The Colorado Avalanche are the moneyline betting favorites at -130 in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. 

Colorado Getting Some Stops

The Colorado Avalanche lost goaltender Darcy Kuemper in the series opener, but they have been able to play great defense. Pavel Francouz has taken over in the blue paint for Colorado, and he has played extremely well. 

Colorado has scored 16 goals through the first 15 games of this series, and they have been great at making the most of their opportunities. Nathan MacKinnon leads the team with ten goals in the playoffs, and he is always in on the offensive action. 

The Avalanche will be without Nazem Kadri to injury, and that takes away a solid offensive weapon. 

Oilers Have to Score

The Edmonton Oilers scored six goals in the Game 1 loss, but the offense has been relatively quiet since that time. Edmonton has scored just two total runs since that time, and they have to find a way to do more damage on offense. 

This task just became much harder as Evander Kane, who has scored 13 goals in the postseason, has been suspended for Game 4. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have combined for 58 playoff points, and that duo has to lead the way. 

Goaltender Mike Smith stopped 39 of the 42 shots he faced in Game 3, but it just continues to not be enough. Edmonton clearly doesn’t have what it takes to get defensive stops, and they have to find plenty of offense. 

Oilers Keep Season Alive

Edmonton is going to be in desperation mode on Monday night, and that will make them extremely dangerous in this game. The Oilers are always a great offensive team, but they will be taking some extra chances in this matchup. 

Colorado has been able to counter every time that Edmonton makes a run, but it’s hard to be as perfect as the Avalanche have been. This should be a high-scoring affair, and for once, the Avalanche won’t be able to keep up with the Oilers. 

Colorado is still going to win this series at some point, but Edmonton will keep the pressure on for another day. Bet the Edmonton Oilers moneyline as they are able to pick up a win in Game 4 to keep the series and their season alive.

Prop Picks

Colorado (+215) UNDER 2.5 Goals

Edmonton is allowing 3.1 goals per game on defense, which ranks No. 18 in the league, while killing 79.4 percent of power plays, which ranks No. 17. Scores have gone UNDER in five of the Oilers’ last seven games versus Colorado.

With Dunkel predicting an Edmonton victory by the score of 3-2, take the Avalanche (+215) to finish UNDER their Vegas team total of 2.5 goals against the Oilers.

Nathan MacKinnon (+100) UNDER 0.5 Assists

MacKinnon had 56 assists in 65 games during the regular season, which was tied for No. 3 on the Avalanche. The veteran center had 40 assists in 43 games during Colorado wins, but only 16 assists in 22 games during Colorado losses.

With Dunkel predicting an Edmonton win while keeping the Avalanche UNDER their team goal total, take MacKinnon (+100) to finish UNDER his Vegas total of 0.5 assists versus the Oilers.

Keep up with your latest NHL news coverage and betting pick previews at The Dunkel Index.

All Media on this page by Associated Press.