EL SEGUNDO, California — Welcome to the home of the Kings.
As an Edmonton Oilers team, currently facing player shortages, arrives in Los Angeles for a critical divisional game late in the season, the Kings are eager and ready for the challenge on their home ice.
This Saturday afternoon, as Los Angeles sports fans enjoy baseball and basketball, the focus shifts to the Los Angeles Kings.
A victory against Edmonton would significantly increase their chances of securing home-ice advantage in the first playoff round, likely against the same Oilers. It also keeps them in contention for the top spot in the Pacific Division, currently held by Vegas. However, this game is more than just about standings; it`s a rivalry game with deep playoff history.
The Oilers are a team the Kings deeply dislike, having eliminated them from the playoffs for the past three seasons. Edmonton stands as an obstacle to Los Angeles advancing past the first playoff round for the first time in 14 years.
Indeed, the Kings` last playoff series win was the 2014 Stanley Cup Final. Since then, they`ve reached the playoffs five times, with three of those losses coming against Edmonton.
Here we are again, with Los Angeles strategizing to overcome an Oilers team that has defeated them in seven, then six, and then five games in the previous three post-seasons.
Oilers winger Viktor Arvidsson, who previously played for the Kings, shared insights on the atmosphere in the L.A. locker room when facing Edmonton in the playoffs.
“Much of the preparation is focused on Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, and how to contain them,” Arvidsson explained. “They need to play strong defensively, although I believe we possess more overall skill. It will certainly be a demanding series if we face them.”
That potential playoff series is still a couple of weeks away.
Currently, the Oilers are just two points behind the Kings in the Pacific Division, with two games remaining between them this season. The Kings boast the best defensive record in the NHL and the highest home-ice win percentage at .833.
A win against the weakened Oilers this Saturday would greatly solidify their home-ice advantage for the first round. With Leon Draisaitl recently injured, the Kings are aware of Edmonton`s vulnerability. Key Oilers players including Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, Mattias Ekholm, Evander Kane, and Stuart Skinner will miss Saturday’s game.
However, Trent Frederic may make his debut for the Oilers since his trade from Boston.
“I’m excited to play whenever I get the chance,” Frederic said after practice at the Kings’ training facility. “They are always a strong defensive team that plays hard. I anticipate a tough, physical game, which should be enjoyable.”
“The kind of game you like?” he was asked.
“I’d like to think so,” he responded with a smile. “If I get to play, this is a great game to jump into for the first time.”
Frederic practiced with Adam Henrique and Zach Hyman on Friday. Coach Kris Knoblauch remained vague about Frederic’s debut, but with forward lineup shortages and Frederic expected to play Monday anyway, his appearance seems likely.
“He’s a possible option,” Knoblauch stated.
Knoblauch could definitely use some size and energy in his lineup, especially as the team has been performing well recently, winning three consecutive games 3-2 with backup goalie Calvin Pickard.
“I appreciate our focus on details and the toughness we’ve shown,” Knoblauch commented. “Also, our power play has been surprisingly effective recently. Scoring on the power play consistently, even with key players missing, has been a significant boost.”
“And lately, I’m pleased with our discipline. We’ve been staying out of the penalty box.”
“We’re missing Ekholm, McDavid, Frederic, Draisaitl, and everyone else who’s injured. We also want Skinner back in goal,” Arvidsson listed. “Of course, it’s a setback, but it’s also an opportunity for other players to step up on the power play, handle the puck more, and gain confidence.”
Confidence.
Someone will leave the rink on Saturday feeling more confident than when they arrived.
The Kings believe it’s their time to gain that confidence.
