It appears that the LA Kings and Oilers will meet again in the NHL Playoffs’ opening round.

As the 2025 NHL Playoffs approach, fans are eagerly anticipating a high-stakes opening-round matchup between the Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers. Both teams bring a distinct style of play, and their strengths and weaknesses make this series one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent memory. With the high-flying Oilers, led by two of the most dynamic forwards in the game, and the Kings, known for their balanced approach and stifling defense, this promises to be a battle of contrasting philosophies.

Team Overview

Los Angeles Kings

The Los Angeles Kings are no strangers to playoff hockey, having made several deep runs in recent years. Under head coach Todd McLellan, the Kings have built a team that thrives on a disciplined, two-way game, led by their veteran core and bolstered by a promising group of young players. The Kings’ success has largely been built on a solid defensive structure, strong goaltending, and the ability to win tight games.

Key Players:

• Anze Kopitar: The 35-year-old Kopitar continues to be the heart and soul of the Kings. His leadership and ability to perform under pressure make him one of the league’s most respected players. Kopitar’s all-around game, including his vision, faceoff ability, and defensive play, will be crucial in this series.
• Drew Doughty: One of the top defensemen in the NHL, Doughty’s leadership on the blue line is invaluable to the Kings. His ability to log big minutes, break up plays, and contribute offensively will be a key factor in slowing down the Oilers’ potent offense.
• Quinton Byfield: The young center has been developing into a top player for the Kings. His size, speed, and skill make him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams, and he could be a breakout star in this series.
• Goaltending: The Kings have one of the more stable goaltending tandems in the league with Jonathan Quick and Cal Petersen. While Quick has been known for his postseason heroics, the Kings will need their goalies to stay sharp, especially when facing the firepower of the Oilers.

Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers are one of the most exciting teams in the NHL, thanks to their dynamic offensive duo of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. These two players are capable of changing the course of any game with their speed, skill, and hockey IQ. The Oilers’ offense is among the best in the league, but their success in the postseason often hinges on whether their defense and goaltending can hold up under pressure.

Key Players:

• Connor McDavid: Arguably the best player in the world, McDavid’s ability to take over a game is unmatched. His speed and vision make him nearly impossible to defend against, and he’ll be looking to carry the Oilers deep into the playoffs. If the Kings can’t find a way to contain McDavid, they’ll be in trouble.
• Leon Draisaitl: Draisaitl is one of the most complete forwards in the NHL, capable of scoring in a variety of ways. His chemistry with McDavid is well-documented, but Draisaitl’s ability to produce on his own makes him just as dangerous as his teammate.
• Zach Hyman: Hyman’s work ethic, grit, and two-way play make him one of the unsung heroes for the Oilers. His ability to contribute offensively and kill penalties will be crucial in a series that could feature a lot of special teams play.
• Goaltending: One of the biggest questions for the Oilers remains their goaltending situation. With Stuart Skinner having a solid but inconsistent regular season and Jack Campbell struggling to find his form, the Oilers will need one of their goalies to step up if they want to make a serious playoff run.

Head-to-Head Matchups

Offensive Comparison

When it comes to offense, the Oilers have the edge. McDavid and Draisaitl are among the most prolific scorers in the league, and their chemistry on the ice is something to behold. However, the Kings have been excellent at limiting high-danger chances this season, with a defensive structure that can neutralize even the most potent offenses.

The Kings’ offense, while not as explosive as the Oilers’, is balanced and capable of scoring in different ways. Adrian Kempe, Kevin Fiala, and Trevor Moore provide scoring depth, while Kopitar and Doughty offer leadership and playmaking ability. The key for the Kings will be to generate enough offense to match the Oilers’ explosive top six while also focusing on playing sound defense.

Defensive Play

The Kings have a clear advantage in terms of defense. With stalwart defensemen like Doughty, Mikey Anderson, and Matt Roy, the Kings are one of the stingiest teams in the league. Their ability to shut down the opposition’s top players will be critical in a series where the Oilers’ success is largely driven by McDavid and Draisaitl.

In contrast, the Oilers’ defense has been inconsistent. While they have solid players like Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci, their blue line is often a point of vulnerability. The Kings will look to exploit this by putting pressure on the Oilers’ defensemen and forcing them into mistakes.

Goaltending

Goaltending is perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this series. Jonathan Quick, though no longer in his prime, has been a reliable postseason performer in the past, with a history of stealing games when the Kings need him most. Cal Petersen, while talented, has shown some inconsistencies, and the Kings will need him to perform at his best.

For the Oilers, their goaltending has been a point of concern all season. Stuart Skinner has been the team’s primary starter, but he has shown flashes of brilliance alongside some shaky performances. Jack Campbell, once considered a key acquisition, has struggled to find consistency. If either of the Oilers’ goaltenders can get hot, it could make all the difference in the series.

Recent History

This will not be the first playoff encounter between the Kings and Oilers. In 2022, the two teams met in a thrilling first-round series that went to seven games. The Oilers eventually won the series, but not without a fight. The Kings’ defensive structure gave the Oilers all they could handle, and the series was defined by tight-checking games and strong goaltending performances.

The 2022 series was a preview of the future, as the Kings’ young players have continued to develop, and the Oilers have only become more dangerous offensively. This year, both teams are entering the playoffs with confidence, but there are questions on both sides that could determine who advances.

Coaching and Strategy

The coaching strategies in this series will be key. Todd McLellan has proven himself as a master of defensive systems, and he’ll look to implement a game plan that neutralizes the Oilers’ top stars while generating enough offense to keep pace with their explosive attack.

On the other side, Jay Woodcroft has done a remarkable job in his tenure with the Oilers, maximizing the talents of McDavid and Draisaitl. However, his biggest challenge will be finding a way to fix the Oilers’ defensive vulnerabilities while still allowing their stars to shine. The Oilers will likely look to outscore the Kings, but McLellan’s defensive strategies will make that difficult.

X-Factors

The Kings’ depth is one of their biggest strengths. Players like Adrian Kempe and Kevin Fiala could be the difference-makers if they can provide secondary scoring and create matchups the Oilers can’t handle. In addition, the play of Quinton Byfield could be crucial in terms of adding a dynamic, physical element that could trouble the Oilers’ defense.

For the Oilers, special teams could be the key. With one of the most lethal power plays in the league, the Oilers will look to capitalize on any opportunity they get with the man advantage. However, their penalty kill has been shaky at times, so the Kings will need to stay disciplined and make the most of their chances.

The Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers are two teams heading in different directions, but they are both capable of going deep in the playoffs. The Kings’ defensive structure and depth will be tested by the Oilers’ elite offense, led by McDavid and Draisaitl. Goaltending could very well decide the outcome, and whichever team can take control of the special teams battle will have a distinct advantage.

This series is sure to be a clash of styles, with the Oilers relying on their star power and high-octane offense, while the Kings will look to play a patient, disciplined game to shut down the Oilers’ attack. It promises to be a thrilling first-round series, one that could set the tone for a dramatic postseason run.