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History Repeats Itself: the Edmonton Oilers Defeat the Los Angeles Kings for the Fourth Year in a Row

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The Edmonton Oilers have advanced to the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs after defeating the Los Angeles Kings in six games. Despite falling behind 0–2 in the series, the Oilers stormed back with four straight wins, once again ending the Kings’ playoff hopes. Apparently, fours are wild in this matchup; this marked the fourth consecutive year these two teams faced off in the opening round—and the fourth straight time Edmonton came out on top.

Series Review: Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings

Series Summary

  • Game 1: Kings 6, Oilers 5 | (1 – 0 LA)

  • Game 2: Kings 6, Oilers 2 | (2 – 0 LA)

  • Game 3: Oilers 7, Kings 4 | (2 – 1 LA)

  • Game 4: Oilers 4, Kings 3 (OT) | (2 – 2 tied)

  • Game 5: Oilers 3, Kings 1 | (3 – 2 EDM)

  • Game 6: Oilers 6, Kings 4 | (4 – 2 EDM wins)

Kings Series Review: Fast Start, Then Faltering in Familiar Fashion

The Los Angeles Kings began this series looking like they had finally cracked the code. They won a dramatic Game 1 at home, 6–5, thanks to a late goal from Phillip Danault. In Game 2, they dominated the Oilers in a 6–2 blowout. Adrian Kempe and Anze Kopitar each racked up four-point nights. Their penalty kill neutralized Edmonton’s lethal power play, and Cam Talbot looked composed in net. Through two games, the Kings had outscored the Oilers 12–7 and built what felt like a convincing series lead.

But from that point on, the same script unfolded as in years past. They surrendered seven goals in Game 3 and couldn’t hold a third-period lead. Game 4 featured the turning point of the series—and the most scrutinized coaching decision. With the score tied 3–3 in the third period, head coach Jim Hiller challenged the go-ahead goal for goaltender interference. The goal stood after video review, and the Kings were assessed a delay of game penalty. Draisaitl went on to score the overtime winner, tying the series and flipping momentum decisively in Edmonton’s favour.

From there, the Kings never recovered. They dropped Game 5 at home, managing just one goal. In the series-clinching Game 6, their defensive breakdowns resurfaced in a 6–4 loss. For the fourth straight year, the Kings’ season ended at the hands of the Oilers—each time under a different coach and with new supporting cast members. With an aging core and repeated failures, Los Angeles now faces difficult questions heading into the off-season.

Oilers Series Review: Bold Adjustments and Superstar Execution

Edmonton’s path to victory was not without turbulence. After a shaky start, including two poor outings from Stuart Skinner, the Oilers turned to veteran backup Calvin Pickard in Game 3. It was a bold move by rookie head coach Kris Knoblauch, but it paid off immediately. Pickard steadied the crease while the Oilers offence erupted for a 7–4 win. That same night, Evan Bouchard and Evander Kane scored 10 seconds apart in the third period to ignite the comeback.

Pickard would remain the starter for the rest of the series—and win every game. With his reliable presence behind them, the Oilers’ stars flourished. Leon Draisaitl, who was a force throughout, scored the overtime winner in Game 4 and led the team with 11 points in the series. Connor McDavid finished with 10, including three assists in Game 6. Bouchard, meanwhile, posted nine points and continues to elevate his status as one of the NHL’s premier offensive defencemen.

Game 5 saw Edmonton play a complete road game, winning 3–1 behind a strong penalty kill and timely scoring from Mattias Janmark. Then, in Game 6, they closed out the series with a 6–4 win. Depth contributions came from Connor Brown, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Zach Hyman, and Darnell Nurse—highlighting the team’s balance beyond the marquee names. The Oilers’ power play, which had gone quiet early in the series, finished clicking at nearly 30%.

The series win marked Edmonton’s most resilient playoff performance under this core. With a red-hot Draisaitl, a rejuvenated McDavid, and a stabilized goaltending situation, the Oilers head into the Second Round rematch with Vegas with momentum and purpose. For a team that believes its Cup window is now, this was the exact type of mid-series adversity they needed to conquer.

What’s Next for the Oilers and Kings

We wrap up our series review with a look ahead at what’s next for these two teams.

For the Kings, this marks a fourth consecutive postseason exit at the hands of Edmonton. After seizing a 2–0 series lead, their inability to close, combined with special teams woes and a pivotal failed coach’s challenge, sealed their fate. Interim head coach Jim Hiller now awaits a decision on his future, and general manager Rob Blake faces the difficult task of retooling a roster whose championship window may be closing. With stalwarts like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty aging, the pressure to make meaningful changes is mounting.

The Oilers now shift focus to a marquee Second Round showdown with the Vegas Golden Knights. While the two didn’t meet in last year’s postseason—when Edmonton made a run to the Stanley Cup Final—this series represents a clash between two of the Western Conference’s most talented and experienced cores. With McDavid, Draisaitl, and Bouchard in peak form and Calvin Pickard unexpectedly solidifying the crease, the Oilers enter the matchup with momentum and confidence. If their depth continues to deliver, they’ll be well-positioned to make another deep run.

Main Photo: Perry Nelson- Imagn Images

The post History Repeats Itself: the Edmonton Oilers Defeat the Los Angeles Kings for the Fourth Year in a Row appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.