Here at Last Word on Hockey, we will preview and review all of the series from the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. In every series, we aim to deliver at least three articles throughout the series: a preview, a mid-series analysis, and a recap. Today, we will look at the Oilers versus the Kings. Will Connor McDavid finally lead the Edmonton Oilers to Lord Stanley’s Holy Grail in 2025? One thing is for sure, that he’ll need to get through the Los Angeles Kings yet again to have a chance. These two Pacific Division rivals are meeting in the playoffs for the fourth straight year. The Oilers have won all three previous matchups, but this time the Kings hold home-ice advantage. Los Angeles boasts one of the NHL’s stingiest defences. Meanwhile, Edmonton counters with arguably the most dangerous offence in hockey. So, who will come out on top in this seven-game battle?
2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Western Conference First Round: Oilers vs Kings Series Preview
The Athletic ran its odds and, as seen in the table below, it’s a virtual coin flip. The table below, provided by The Athletic, is the probabilities for each team’s chance of winning after each of the possible endgames. Also, the top row is the cumulative probability for each team’s chances at victory. Here we go:
| Scenario | EDM | LA |
| Total | 50 | 50 |
| 4 – Games | 6 | 6 |
| 5 – Games | 12 | 13 |
| 6 – Games | 17 | 15 |
| 7 – Games | 15 | 17 |
Oilers vs Kings Season Series Recap
The Los Angeles Kings held the upper hand during the regular season, winning three out of four games against the Edmonton Oilers. That included both contests played in LA. Oilers fans won’t love how the regular season played out against the Kings. Each win came with a suffocating defensive effort. The Kings allowed just four goals in four games against the Oilers, including two shutouts in the most recent matchups. However, it’s worth noting that the Oilers were dealing with injuries to key players during some of these matchups, which may have impacted their performance. While the Kings may have dominated the regular season, everyone knows the playoffs are a completely different animal, where anything can happen.
The Edmonton Oilers Keys to Victory
1. The Stars Need to Shine: Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman must take over this series. Leon Draisaitl led the Oilers with 106 points (52 goals, 54 assists), while Connor McDavid contributed 100 points (26 goals, 74 assists) despite playing only 67 games. Zach Hyman added 27 goals, half of his total from last season, but still providing depth to Edmonton’s offensive lineup. The Oilers will be missing some key pieces in Mattias Ekholm and Evander Kane to start the series, magnifying McDavid and Draisaitl’s roles.
2. Goaltending Consistency: Stuart Skinner recorded 26 wins with a 2.81 GAA and a .896 save percentage. Calvin Pickard, in 31 games, posted a 2.71 GAA and a .900 SV%. Reliable goaltending will be crucial against the Kings’ balanced attack. Based on yesterday’s practice, where Skinner was in the starter’s crease, it looks like he will get the start in Game 1. He likely won’t have a long leash, though, as Pickard finished the season strong and has slightly better numbers.
3. Special Teams Performance: Edmonton’s power play operated at 23.7% during the regular season, ranking 12th in the league. Capitalizing on man-advantage opportunities and maintaining discipline to avoid penalties will be vital. L.A. doesn’t give up much, so Edmonton needs to draw penalties and feast on the power play.
Keys for the Los Angeles Kings
1. Defensive Excellence: The Kings allowed 189 goals over 78 games, averaging 2.42 goals-against per game, which ranked them second in the league for fewest goals allowed. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper led with 31 wins, a 2.02 GAA, and a .922 SV%, anchoring the team’s defensive efforts. The Kings also shutout the Oilers in their two most recent matchups. If that continues, Edmonton will have a hard time getting past L.A.
2. Balanced Scoring: Adrian Kempe topped the team with 73 points (35 goals, 38 assists), while Anze Kopitar added 67 points (21 goals, 46 assists). Kevin Fiala contributed 60 points (35 goals, 25 assists), showcasing the team’s offensive depth. If this can be Quinton Byfield‘s coming-out party, the Kings should have enough depth to beat the Oilers in a seven-game series.
3. Home-Ice Advantage: Los Angeles boasted a 31–6–4 home record, the best in the NHL. Leveraging this advantage could be pivotal in a closely matched series. This is why you play to have home-ice advantage in the playoffs.
Oilers vs Kings Series Odds and Predictions
While The Athletic has this series as a toss-up, and the sportsbooks slightly favour the Oilers, we are going to have to disagree. The Kings are the best team in the NHL on home-ice this season and have proven they can shut down the Oilers’ offence. The Kings will also be playing with a chip on their shoulder after losing to the Oilers in the first round three years in a row. It feels crazy to say a team with McDavid and Draisaitl and the defending Conference Champions get bounced in the first round, but if it’s going to happen for the Kings, this is the year.
Prediction: Kings win the series in 7.
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Main photo: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
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