Edmonton Oilers Win Game One Against Los Angeles Kings

After not playing a meaningful game in quite some time the Edmonton Oilers did not disappoint in their first playoff game of the year. Leading from start to finish the Oilers look in complete control for a majority of this game. On paper, the Oilers are the better team and backed it up on the ice tonight.

The first period set the tone for the Oilers' dominance, with Zach Hyman opening the scoring, assisted by McDavid and Bouchard. Adam Henrique added to the lead, netting the next goal with a nice shot extending the lead to 2-0 heading into the 1st intermission.

As the game progressed into the second period, Hyman remained a force to be reckoned with, notching his second goal of the night, courtesy of McDavid and Henrique. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins added to the Oilers' lead with a power-play goal, assisted by Leon Draisaitl and McDavid.

However, the Kings refused to back down, mounting a comeback with goals from Mikey Anderson and Adrian Kempe, narrowing the gap to 4-2 by the end of the period. There was also a disallowed goal that had it counted would have really given the Kings momentum, but lucky it was waved off and didn't count in the end.

Entering the third period with a 2 goal lead, the Oilers ramped up their offensive efforts. Draisaitl capitalized on a power-play opportunity early in the period, extending the lead to 5-2. Hyman then completed his hat-trick with another power-play goal, assisted once again by McDavid and Bouchard.

Despite the Oilers' commanding lead, the Kings fought valiantly, with goals from Pierre-Luc Dubois and Trevor Moore, keeping the game within reach. However, Warren Foegele sealed the victory for the Oilers with an empty-net goal in the final minute of play, securing the 7-4 win.

Overall, it was a stellar performance from the Oilers' offense, with Hyman leading the charge with a hat-trick, while McDavid showcased his playmaking abilities with five assists. The Oilers' power play proved to be a difference-maker, capitalizing on key opportunities throughout the game.

With this victory, the Oilers have won their first game one at home in over 30 years and have planted the seed of doubt in the Kings' minds. Having lost the previous two years this is not the start to the series the Los Angeles Kings would have wanted. On the contrary, it is the exact start the Oilers wanted.