{"id":468000,"date":"2025-05-02T10:02:55","date_gmt":"2025-05-02T14:02:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=468000"},"modified":"2025-05-02T10:02:55","modified_gmt":"2025-05-02T14:02:55","slug":"history-repeats-itself-the-edmonton-oilers-defeat-the-los-angeles-kings-for-the-fourth-year-in-a-row","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/05\/02\/history-repeats-itself-the-edmonton-oilers-defeat-the-los-angeles-kings-for-the-fourth-year-in-a-row\/","title":{"rendered":"History Repeats Itself: the Edmonton Oilers Defeat the Los Angeles Kings for the Fourth Year in a Row"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"\" data-start=\"227\" data-end=\"640\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/05\/01\/oilers-aware-kings-trick\/\" target=\"_self\">Edmonton Oilers<\/a> have advanced to the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs after defeating the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/04\/26\/special-teams-taking-centre-stage-in-kings-vs-oilers\/\" target=\"_self\">Los Angeles Kings<\/a> in six games. Despite falling behind 0\u20132 in the series, the Oilers stormed back with four straight wins, once again ending the Kings\u2019 playoff hopes. Apparently, fours are wild in this matchup; this marked the fourth consecutive year these two teams faced off in the opening round\u2014and the fourth straight time Edmonton came out on top.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"227\" data-end=\"640\">Series Review: Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3152\" data-end=\"3170\"><strong data-start=\"3152\" data-end=\"3170\">Series Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3172\" data-end=\"3380\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3172\" data-end=\"3205\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3174\" data-end=\"3205\"><strong data-start=\"3174\" data-end=\"3185\">Game 1:<\/strong> Kings 6, Oilers 5 | <strong>(1 &#8211; 0 LA)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3206\" data-end=\"3239\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3208\" data-end=\"3239\"><strong data-start=\"3208\" data-end=\"3219\">Game 2:<\/strong> Kings 6, Oilers 2 | <strong>(2 &#8211; 0 LA)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3240\" data-end=\"3273\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3242\" data-end=\"3273\"><strong data-start=\"3242\" data-end=\"3253\">Game 3:<\/strong> Oilers 7, Kings 4 | <strong>(2 &#8211; 1 LA)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3274\" data-end=\"3312\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3276\" data-end=\"3312\"><strong data-start=\"3276\" data-end=\"3287\">Game 4:<\/strong> Oilers 4, Kings 3 (OT) |<strong> (2 &#8211; 2 tied)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3313\" data-end=\"3346\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3315\" data-end=\"3346\"><strong data-start=\"3315\" data-end=\"3326\">Game 5:<\/strong> Oilers 3, Kings 1 | <strong>(3 &#8211; 2 EDM)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3347\" data-end=\"3380\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3349\" data-end=\"3380\"><strong data-start=\"3349\" data-end=\"3360\">Game 6:<\/strong> Oilers 6, Kings 4 | <strong>(4 &#8211; 2 EDM wins)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"1197\" data-end=\"1250\">Kings Series Review: Fast Start, Then Faltering in Familiar Fashion<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1252\" data-end=\"1759\">The Los Angeles Kings began<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/04\/21\/oilers-vs-kings-2025-stanley-cup-playoffs-western-conference-first-round-series-preview\/\" target=\"_self\"> this series<\/a> looking like they had finally cracked the code. They won a dramatic Game 1 at home, 6\u20135, thanks to a late goal from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/danauph01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Phillip Danault<\/a>. In Game 2, they dominated the Oilers in a 6\u20132 blowout. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kempead01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adrian Kempe<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kopitan01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Anze Kopitar<\/a> each racked up four-point nights. Their penalty kill neutralized Edmonton\u2019s lethal power play, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/t\/talboca01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cam Talbot<\/a> looked composed in net. Through two games, the Kings had outscored the Oilers 12\u20137 and built what felt like a convincing series lead.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1761\" data-end=\"2361\">But from that point on, the same script unfolded as in years past. They surrendered seven goals in Game 3 and couldn&#8217;t hold a third-period lead. Game 4 featured the turning point of the series\u2014and the most scrutinized coaching decision. With the score tied 3\u20133 in the third period, head coach <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hilleji01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jim Hiller<\/a> 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\u2019s favour.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2363\" data-end=\"2859\">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\u20134 loss. For the fourth straight year, the Kings\u2019 season ended at the hands of the Oilers\u2014each 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.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"2866\" data-end=\"2930\">Oilers Series Review: Bold Adjustments and Superstar Execution<\/h3>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2932\" data-end=\"3402\">Edmonton\u2019s path to victory was not without turbulence. After a shaky start, including two poor outings from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/skinnst01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stuart Skinner<\/a>, the Oilers turned to veteran backup <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/pickaca01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Calvin Pickard<\/a> 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\u20134 win. That same night, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bouchev01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Evan Bouchard<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kaneev01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Evander Kane<\/a> scored 10 seconds apart in the third period to ignite the comeback.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3404\" data-end=\"3875\">Pickard would remain the starter for the rest of the series\u2014and win every game. With his reliable presence behind them, the Oilers\u2019 stars flourished. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/draisle01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Leon Draisaitl<\/a>, who was a force throughout, scored the overtime winner in Game 4 and led the team with 11 points in the series. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcdavco01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor McDavid<\/a> 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\u2019s premier offensive defencemen.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3877\" data-end=\"4317\">Game 5 saw Edmonton play a complete road game, winning 3\u20131 behind a strong penalty kill and timely scoring from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/j\/janmama02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mattias Janmark<\/a>. Then, in Game 6, they closed out the series with a 6\u20134 win. Depth contributions came from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/brownco02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor Brown<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nugenry01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ryan Nugent-Hopkins<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hymanza01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Zach Hyman<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/n\/nurseda01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Darnell Nurse<\/a>\u2014highlighting the team\u2019s balance beyond the marquee names. The Oilers\u2019 power play, which had gone quiet early in the series, finished clicking at nearly 30%.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4319\" data-end=\"4696\">The series win marked Edmonton\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"\" data-start=\"95\" data-end=\"139\">What\u2019s Next for the Oilers and Kings<\/h3>\n<p>We wrap up our series review with a look ahead at what&#8217;s next for these two teams.<\/p>\n<p>For the Kings, this marks a fourth consecutive postseason exit at the hands of Edmonton. After seizing a 2\u20130 series lead, their inability to close, combined with special teams woes and a pivotal failed coach\u2019s challenge, sealed their fate. Interim head coach Jim Hiller now awaits a decision on his future, and general manager <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/blakero01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Rob Blake<\/a> faces the difficult task of retooling a roster whose championship window may be closing. With stalwarts like Anze Kopitar and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/doughdr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-05-02_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Drew Doughty<\/a> aging, the pressure to make meaningful changes is mounting.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"141\" data-end=\"699\">The Oilers now shift focus to a marquee Second Round showdown with the Vegas Golden Knights. While the two didn\u2019t meet in last year\u2019s postseason\u2014when Edmonton made a run to the Stanley Cup Final\u2014this series represents a clash between two of the Western Conference\u2019s 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\u2019ll be well-positioned to make another deep run.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-media-max-width=\"560\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">&#8220;We owe Vegas a good series. We don&#8217;t forget what happened two years ago.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Connor McDavid joins <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/GenePrincipe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@GenePrincipe<\/a> as the Oilers look to face Vegas in Round Two <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/HMCG5vgG7W\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/HMCG5vgG7W<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Sportsnet\/status\/1918175012307009698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 2, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><em>Main Photo: Perry Nelson- Imagn Images<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u20132 in the series, the Oilers stormed back with four straight wins, once again ending the Kings\u2019 playoff hopes. Apparently, fours are wild in this matchup; this marked [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5399,"featured_media":468018,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4548,23,4547,24],"tags":[390,1199,139,392,7526,7888,7939,193,6025,1566],"class_list":["post-468000","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nhl","category-oilers","category-hockey","category-kings","tag-anze-kopitar","tag-calvin-pickard","tag-connor-mcdavid","tag-drew-doughty","tag-edmonton-oilers-analysis","tag-jim-hiller","tag-kris-knoblauch","tag-leon-draisaitl","tag-los-angeles-kings-analysis","tag-rob-blake"],"modified_by":"Andrew Willis","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/468000","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5399"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=468000"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/468000\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":468019,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/468000\/revisions\/468019"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/468018"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=468000"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=468000"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=468000"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}