The Edmonton Oilers once again found themselves matched up against a familiar playoff rival in the Los Angeles Kings, marking the fourth straight postseason the two teams have collided. While the Oilers have gotten the better of the Kings in recent years, winning each of the last three series, the 2025 edition feels different—this time, the Kings seem determined to rewrite the script and shake off the playoff frustration that’s haunted them.
In Game One, Los Angeles came out swinging, dominating the first 40 minutes and entering the third period with a commanding 4-1 lead. But the Oilers, known for their high-octane offense, stormed back with a furious rally to tie the game at 5-5 late in the third. Just when it looked like the momentum had fully swung Edmonton’s way, the Kings crushed the comeback with a late game-winner to steal the opener. Now trailing 0-1 in the series, the Oilers must regroup and make key adjustments heading into Game Two to avoid falling into a dangerous 0-2 hole.
1) Attack the net
To beat this year’s version of the Los Angeles Kings, the Edmonton Oilers must focus on generating more high-danger scoring opportunities. In Game One, particularly midway through the second period, the Oilers struggled to even register a shot on goal, allowing the Kings to control the tempo and dictate the flow of play. By settling for low-percentage looks and playing passively through the neutral zone, Edmonton allowed the Kings to clog shooting lanes and prevent any real pressure on goaltender Darcy Kuemper.
The blueprint for success was evident in the third period, when the Oilers mounted a furious comeback by pushing the pace and forcing the Kings' defense to scramble. Edmonton needs to replicate that aggressive mindset, getting pucks deep, driving to the net, and making Kuemper uncomfortable. Shots from the perimeter won’t be enough against a disciplined Kings squad that thrives on structure. If the Oilers want to even the series, they’ll need to attack with urgency and purpose, forcing L.A.'s blueliners into mistakes and creating chaos in front of the net.
2) Goaltending has to be better
The same familiar issue has resurfaced for the Edmonton Oilers as they kick off their first-round playoff series—goaltending woes. In Game One, Stuart Skinner struggled between the pipes, and while it's fair to point out that the defense left him exposed on several occasions, there were also moments where he simply needed to make a critical stop. Playoff hockey often comes down to momentum, and failing to come up with a timely save allowed one goal to quickly snowball into a daunting four-goal deficit before the Oilers could even find their rhythm.
This isn’t a new concern for Edmonton, as inconsistent goaltending has haunted them in previous postseason runs. If the Oilers hope to make a deep push this year, Skinner has to rise to the occasion and deliver clutch performances, especially in tight games where a single save can shift the momentum. The pressure is now on—not just for the skaters to tighten up defensively, but for Skinner to rebound and prove he can be the dependable backstop the Oilers need to survive the grind of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
3) Cut down the turnovers
While Skinner is receiving plenty of heat for the Game One loss, the blame doesn’t rest solely on his shoulders. The Edmonton Oilers struggled in several areas, and costly turnovers proved just as damaging as any missed save. From neutral zone giveaways to misplays deep in their own end, the Oilers repeatedly put themselves in vulnerable positions. The most painful example came late in the third period, when a turnover led directly to the Kings’ game-winning goal—an all-too-familiar scene that cost Edmonton dearly.
In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, every mistake is magnified, and the margin for error is razor-thin. A single lapse in judgment or positioning can flip a game on its head, especially against a disciplined team like the Kings. If the Oilers want to bounce back in Game Two, they’ll need a complete team effort—tightening up defensively, making smarter decisions with the puck, and supporting Skinner from start to finish. The talent is there, but execution under pressure will be the difference between moving forward or falling behind in the series.
4) Be disciplined
The officiating in Game One may have leaned slightly in favor of the Kings, but that can’t be the main narrative for the Oilers' loss. Questionable calls are part of playoff hockey, and teams have to rise above them rather than let frustration take over. Staying composed on the ice is critical, especially in high-stakes moments when referees are more likely to call retaliatory or undisciplined plays. The Oilers can’t afford to get caught up in the emotions or let the whistles dictate their performance.
A prime example came during the second period, when a penalty on Jake Wahlman led to a two-man advantage for Los Angeles, resulting in a crucial goal. Even if the Kings' player sold the call with a bit of embellishment, the Oilers must show better discipline moving forward. Handing the Kings power play opportunities is a recipe for disaster, particularly against a team that thrives on capitalizing with the man advantage. Edmonton’s path to evening the series lies in smarter, more controlled play—not in trying to fight the refs.
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