Edmonton Oilers take series lead with 3-1 win over Los Angeles Kings in Game 5

The Edmonton Oilers won 3-1 in Game 5 to take a 3-2 lead in their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings. Mattias Janmark scored the tiebreaking goal in the third period, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins added an empty-net goal to seal the win. Andrei Kuzmenko scored for the Kings, who are one loss away from their fourth consecutive first-round playoff exit at Edmonton's hands.

The Edmonton Oilers have taken a commanding 3-2 lead in their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings with a 3-1 victory in Game 5. The game was played at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on April 30, 2025.

Mattias Janmark scored the game-winning goal for the Oilers in the third period, while Ryan Nugent-Hopkins added an empty-net goal to seal the win. The Kings' only goal came from Andrei Kuzmenko, who scored for the Kings in the second period. The Oilers dominated the game, outshooting the Kings 46-22 and outscoring them 3-1.

The victory was a significant turnaround for the Oilers, who had lost the first two games of the series in Los Angeles. The Kings, who had a 2-0 lead in the series, now face a critical decision in Game 6, which will be played at Rogers Place in Edmonton on May 2, 2025. The Kings are one loss away from their fourth consecutive first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Oilers.

The Oilers' victory was a result of their dominant play throughout the game, particularly in the first period where they outshot the Kings 19-4. The second period saw the Kings score first, but the Oilers responded with a goal from Evander Kane to tie the game. The third period was the turning point, with Janmark's goal giving the Oilers their first lead of the night.

The victory also showcased the resilience of the Oilers' goaltender, Calvin Pickard, who stopped 21 of 22 shots. The Kings pulled their goalie, Darcy Kuemper, with more than three minutes remaining, but the Oilers held on to secure the win.

The Oilers' victory sets up a critical Game 6, where the Kings will need to win to extend the series. The Oilers, however, will have the advantage of playing at home and the momentum from their recent victories.

References:

[1] https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2025/04/29/los-angeles-kings-vs-edmonton-oilers-prediction-pick-for-game-5-of-nhl-playoffs/
[2] https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/game-recap-oilers-3-kings-1-game-5-04-29-25