After defeating the Kings 4-2 in the series, the Edmonton Oilers move on to Round 2 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs!
The Edmonton Oilers have officially advanced to the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs after a hard-fought 4-2 series victory over the Los Angeles Kings. The Oilers’ success in this best-of-seven matchup was propelled by their elite talent, determined team effort, and timely performances by key players at crucial moments. With the pressure mounting and the stakes high, Edmonton’s resilience in the face of adversity exemplified why they are considered one of the top contenders for the Stanley Cup this season.
The opening round matchup between the Oilers and Kings was filled with intensity and drama. Both teams were well-matched, with the Kings possessing a stout defense and strong goaltending, while the Oilers boasted a high-powered offense led by their dynamic duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The series lived up to expectations as both teams showcased their strengths and vulnerabilities throughout the six games.
From the outset, the series was competitive. Game 1, held at Rogers Place in Edmonton, set the tone. The Oilers came out firing on all cylinders, dominating possession and generating high-quality chances. However, the Kings’ defense, anchored by Drew Doughty and company, was resolute, making it difficult for the Oilers to get clean looks on goal. A late power-play goal from McDavid gave Edmonton a 2-1 victory in Game 1, but it wasn’t as straightforward as it seemed.
The Kings, known for their disciplined approach to playoff hockey, responded in Game 2 with a stellar performance. Los Angeles stymied Edmonton’s offensive attack with a combination of tight checking and excellent goaltending from Jonathan Quick. The Kings held on to win 3-1, evening the series at 1-1. This victory demonstrated the Kings’ ability to adjust to Edmonton’s speed and skill, giving them confidence moving forward.
Game 3 and 4 saw the Oilers take control of the series once again. Edmonton’s power play, one of the most dangerous in the league, came alive in the second game of the series, where they capitalized on three of four opportunities. The Kings struggled to contain the Oilers’ offensive stars, as McDavid and Draisaitl each tallied multiple points. The Oilers won Game 3 with a dominant 5-2 performance and followed that up with a 4-1 victory in Game 4 to take a 3-1 series lead.
Despite the challenges they faced, the Kings refused to go down quietly. In Game 5, the Kings returned home to Crypto.com Arena, where they were buoyed by their fans. Los Angeles delivered a gritty, hard-nosed performance, pushing Edmonton to the brink. A goal from Anze Kopitar in the second period and solid play from Quick allowed the Kings to hold onto a 2-1 lead, forcing a Game 6 in Edmonton.
As is often the case in playoff hockey, individual players can make all the difference. For the Edmonton Oilers, it was their superstar talents who stepped up when needed most, especially McDavid and Draisaitl.
Connor McDavid, already widely regarded as the best player in the world, had a spectacular performance throughout the series. His speed, vision, and playmaking ability were on full display, especially in crucial moments. McDavid’s Game 1 game-winner and several key assists throughout the series proved that he is capable of taking over any game when the stakes are highest. His leadership and ability to perform under pressure were critical in securing Edmonton’s advance.
Leon Draisaitl, McDavid’s longtime running mate, was just as important. While McDavid drew the most attention, Draisaitl used his physicality and impeccable shooting to put the Kings on their heels. Draisaitl’s two-goal performance in Game 3 was a key turning point, and his presence in front of the net on the power play was a consistent problem for the Kings’ penalty kill. Draisaitl’s ability to score in multiple ways, whether off the rush or in tight spaces, gave the Oilers the offensive depth they needed to succeed.
In addition to McDavid and Draisaitl, the Oilers also received pivotal performances from others like Evander Kane, Zach Hyman, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Kane, known for his physicality and knack for scoring gritty goals, made his presence felt in the series with timely goals that helped turn the tide in Edmonton’s favor during the critical moments of Games 3 and 4. Hyman’s relentless work ethic and ability to forecheck and create chaos around the net made him an invaluable asset for the Oilers’ bottom six forwards.
On the back end, defenseman Darnell Nurse played a key role in keeping the Kings’ forwards at bay. Nurse’s ability to eat up minutes and his calmness under pressure were essential in Edmonton’s defensive zone. His contributions were especially vital in Game 6 when the Oilers had to maintain a defensive posture while trying to close out the series.
In net, Stuart Skinner, the Oilers’ young goaltender, faced the pressure of backing up his team during the playoffs. Skinner, though not as widely recognized as some of the league’s elite goaltenders, stepped up with solid performances throughout the series. His composure and poise in Game 6 helped Edmonton secure the clinching victory. While not always spectacular, Skinner’s ability to make timely saves in key moments gave the Oilers the confidence they needed to push forward.
For the Los Angeles Kings, veteran leadership was evident. Anze Kopitar, the Kings’ captain, was consistently one of the team’s best players, playing a crucial role in both the offensive and defensive aspects of the game. His faceoff prowess and two-way game were instrumental in ensuring the Kings stayed competitive. Quick, despite showing signs of age, was excellent in net, especially in Game 2 and Game 5, where he kept his team in the game with critical saves.
With the series on the line in Game 6, the tension was palpable. The Kings came out with a sense of urgency, knowing that their season was on the brink of ending. However, the Oilers were determined not to let this opportunity slip away.
The opening period was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging scoring chances but unable to find the back of the net. As the game progressed, the Oilers began to seize control. A second-period goal from McDavid on the power play gave Edmonton a 1-0 lead, and the building energy was palpable. The Kings pushed back, but Skinner’s timely saves kept them at bay.
In the third period, the Kings found themselves pushing for the equalizer, but the Oilers’ defense stood tall. With just under five minutes remaining, the Oilers sealed the victory when Draisaitl scored an empty-netter, securing a 3-1 final score. The Oilers had finally put the Kings away, advancing to the second round with a 4-2 series win.
With their victory over the Kings, the Oilers now turn their attention to the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. While their path will undoubtedly become more difficult as they face even tougher competition, Edmonton’s top-end talent gives them an edge that many teams in the Western Conference may struggle to overcome.
The Oilers’ offense remains their greatest strength, and the play of McDavid and Draisaitl gives them the kind of superstar firepower that can carry them deep into the playoffs. However, their depth, defensive play, and goaltending will need to continue to improve if they are to contend with the elite teams in the postseason.
The Oilers have been knocking on the door for the past few seasons, and after a solid first-round performance, they will be looking to prove that this is finally the year they can break through and capture the elusive Stanley Cup.
Edmonton’s 4-2 series win over the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs was a testament to the Oilers’ talent, perseverance, and ability to step up in crucial moments. With McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge and key contributions from other players, the Oilers have shown they are a force to be reckoned with in this postseason. As they move on to the second round, all eyes will be on Edmonton to see if they can continue their playoff run and potentially lift the Stanley Cup for the first time in decades.
