As the Stanley Cup Playoffs kick off, the Los Angeles Kings are brimming with confidence, bolstered by the return of their Hall of Fame defenseman Drew Doughty. After recovering from an ankle injury sustained in the preseason, Doughty is back in the lineup, ready to make an impact against the Edmonton Oilers in their fourth consecutive first-round playoff matchup. The Kings, who finished the season with a solid 48-25-9 record and a total of 105 points, secured the No. 2 spot in the Pacific Division, setting the stage for a thrilling playoff run.
Doughty’s absence was felt throughout the regular season, as he missed more than half of the games due to injury. Yet, the Kings managed to persevere, showcasing their depth and resilience. "I think our goaltending is very solid this year. I think our D-corps became more solid this year, and I think our forwards became deeper throughout the whole lineup," Doughty remarked on Sunday, April 20, 2025. His return is seen as a potential "X-factor" that could significantly influence the series in favor of L.A.
Despite their strong regular-season performance, the Kings face a daunting challenge against the Oilers, having lost the previous three playoff series against them. However, Doughty and his teammates believe that this time could be different. Doughty’s determination to end the Kings' playoff series drought, which has persisted since their last championship in 2014, adds to the high stakes for both him and the team.
The Kings enter the playoffs with a renewed sense of confidence, having earned home-ice advantage for the first time since 2016. Crypto.com Arena has proven to be a fortress for the Kings this season, boasting an impressive 31-6-4 record at home. Doughty emphasized the importance of this advantage, stating, "It’s a huge bonus for us." The Kings also dominated the regular-season series against the Oilers, going 3-1-0 and outscoring them 12-4, even managing to shut them out twice.
As the Kings prepare for Game 1, which is set to start at 10 p.m. ET, the atmosphere in the locker room is noticeably different. Forward Kevin Fiala echoed Doughty’s sentiments, noting that there’s a "more positive" feeling among the players this year. "Just the belief," Fiala said. "The whole season we've been through together, I don't think I've been on as close of a team before. Everybody is really, really close with each other, loves each other, believes in each other, and wants to work for each other."
This camaraderie could be a crucial factor in the Kings' playoff success. The team has shown remarkable consistency throughout the season, maintaining a strong performance even in the face of adversity. Doughty’s leadership and experience will be vital as they navigate the pressure of the playoffs.
Statistically, the Kings have excelled in various aspects of the game this season. They ranked second in the league in goals against per game (2.48), first in expected goals against per 60 minutes (2.17), and third in save percentage (.923) at five-on-five, according to Natural Stat Trick. These numbers reflect a solid defensive framework that Doughty’s return will only strengthen.
Looking ahead, the outcome of this series against the Oilers could hinge on Doughty’s performance. If he plays well, it could revitalize the Kings' playoff run and finally break the streak of early exits. On the other hand, an early exit would prolong their championship drought and add pressure on the team moving forward.
As the puck drops on this highly anticipated series, all eyes will be on Drew Doughty. His return not only boosts the morale of the Kings but also raises hopes of a deep playoff run. The stakes are high, and the Kings are ready to prove that they can overcome their past failures against the Oilers.
In conclusion, the Kings are entering the playoffs with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence. With Doughty back in the lineup and a solid team dynamic, they are poised to make a statement in this year’s postseason. The matchup against the Oilers promises to be an exciting chapter in the Kings' quest for playoff success, and fans are eager to see if this time, the fourth meeting will be the charm.
