In their last regular season game, the Los Angeles Kings dominated the Edmonton Oilers with a 5-0 victory. However, key Oilers players Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid were absent. The game was marked by escalating tension, resulting in 53 penalty minutes for Edmonton and a one-game suspension for Darnell Nurse. Nurse will be available for Game 1 of the playoffs.
Kings` forward Phillip Danault suggested the Oilers intentionally fielded a weaker team that aimed to injure Kings players, a claim Corey Perry dismissed.
This playoff series marks the fourth consecutive year these divisional rivals will face each other in the first round, intensifying their already strong dislike for one another. They have played four times this season, with two matchups in April alone.
Despite Edmonton winning the previous three series (in seven, six, and five games respectively), the Kings are confident this year will be different. For the first time in these matchups, Los Angeles has home-ice advantage, finishing the regular season stronger than Edmonton. There`s a growing belief that this Kings roster is the deepest and most capable they`ve had in the past four years, making them a serious threat to defeat the reigning Western Conference champions.
`I believe we have a very strong team,` stated Kings coach Jim Hiller. `We`re bigger, more experienced, and deeper. We`re ready to compete.`
The Kings faced a significant setback early in the season when Drew Doughty fractured his ankle, sidelining him until late January. Upon his return, the Kings` performance significantly improved. Before Doughty`s return, Los Angeles was ninth in the league by points percentage, while Edmonton was third. Since his comeback, the Kings have outperformed the Oilers, earning 13 more points and posting a 21-9-3 record.
Adding to the Kings` optimism, the Oilers enter the playoffs with injuries. They rested several key players in their final regular season games, and recently announced that Mattias Ekholm will be out for at least the first round, potentially the entire playoffs, weakening their defense.
Despite these challenges, Connor McDavid insists the Oilers are prepared and healthy enough to contend for a second consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance. However, the Kings have demonstrated their strength by outscoring the Oilers 8-0 in two regulation wins this month.
The question remains: which team carries the momentum? The Oilers, who have historically dominated this playoff matchup, or the Kings, who are entering the series healthier and with stronger recent performance in 2025?
HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORDS
Edmonton Oilers: 1-2-1
Los Angeles Kings: 3-1-0
THE BREAKDOWN
Last season, the Kings were known for their defensive 1-3-1 system, which ranked them among the league`s best defensive teams. They were fifth in shots against per game and fourth in high-danger chances against. Their series against Edmonton was seen as a clash between offense and defense, and Edmonton`s 22 goals in five games decided the outcome.
This upcoming series is again shaping up as an offense versus defense battle. Los Angeles has improved defensively this season, ranking second in shots against per game, five-on-five high-danger chances against, and goals against per game. Their penalty kill is also among the top 10 in the league.
The Kings` defense has been so reliable that they remained undefeated in regulation when scoring three or more goals, losing only two such games in overtime, with the last such loss occurring back on November 1st.
Conversely, the Oilers` identity is built around their offensive prowess, led by McDavid and Draisaitl. While both stars had exceptional seasons, the team`s overall offensive output has slightly declined. Edmonton`s goals per game average has decreased, placing them just outside the top 10 in offense at 11th. Their power play, once historically dominant, has also slipped from the top 10 this season.
The Oilers` offseason acquisitions have not consistently performed at a high level. Jeff Skinner is on pace for his lowest goal total in a full season since 2014-15. Viktor Arvidsson has been hampered by injuries and has not matched his career point pace. The departure of Dylan Holloway, who excelled in St. Louis after an offer sheet signing, has arguably weakened Edmonton`s depth scoring.
The Oilers face several uncertainties entering this series. Evander Kane, who has been out all season, is aiming to return and contribute offensively and physically. Stuart Skinner recently returned from a head injury and played well in a win against Winnipeg, but he faced a relatively low shot volume. Notably, Skinner`s goals saved above expected is the lowest among playoff starting goalies.
The Kings might be well-positioned to challenge the Oilers this year, although Edmonton still possesses the superstar talent that Los Angeles lacks.
ADVANCED STATS
REGULAR SEASON STATS
Oilers X-Factor: Evan Bouchard
With Ekholm injured, the Oilers` defensive burden increases, particularly on Evan Bouchard. Bouchard, known for his offensive contributions, had an impressive 32 points in last year`s playoffs. However, questions linger about his defensive capabilities. Ekholm`s steady defensive presence has been crucial for Bouchard. While Nurse will likely see increased ice time, Bouchard faces pressure to maintain his offensive output while improving his defensive awareness without Ekholm.
Kings X-Factor: Darcy Kuemper
Despite the Kings` strong team defense, this series may hinge on Darcy Kuemper`s goaltending. Last year, Cam Talbot struggled in the playoffs, unlike his strong regular season performance. Kuemper, a Stanley Cup winner, has rebounded this season, ranking high in save percentage and goals saved above expected, reminiscent of his Cup-winning form with Colorado. The Kings` success against the Oilers will likely depend on Kuemper outperforming Talbot`s previous playoff performance and containing Edmonton`s star-studded offense.
