The Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers faced off in a thrilling Game 4 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Rogers Place in Edmonton. With the series on the line, the Kings entered the game with a 2-1 lead, but the Oilers were determined to even the score.
The puck dropped at 9:30 p.m. EDT, and fans were treated to an action-packed contest that ended in a nail-biting 3-3 tie as the game headed into overtime with just 7:31 left on the clock. Both teams displayed their offensive prowess, with a total of 44 shots on goal from the Oilers and 41 from the Kings.
The Kings struck first with a goal from Trevor Moore at 10:35 of the first period, assisted by Phillip Danault. This early lead was crucial for Los Angeles, who had been dominant at home but struggled on the road throughout the season. Just a minute and a half into the second period, Warren Foegele extended the Kings' lead to 2-0, again with Danault providing the assist.
However, the Oilers were not to be outdone. Corey Perry brought Edmonton back into contention with a power-play goal at 4:11 of the second, assisted by Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The Kings responded quickly, with Kevin Fiala scoring at 7:42, assisted by Alex Laferriere, pushing the score to 3-1.
As the game progressed into the third period, the Oilers found their rhythm. Evan Bouchard scored two goals within a span of 12 minutes, first at 7:51, assisted by Draisaitl, and then again at 19:31, with assists from Draisaitl and Connor McDavid. This late equalizer sent the game into overtime, where both teams fought fiercely for the win.
Throughout the game, the Kings struggled on the power play, finishing the night 0 for 3, while the Oilers capitalized on their opportunities, going 1 for 2. The Kings' power-play unit had been one of the most effective in the playoffs, scoring at a staggering 58.3% rate in the series prior to this game.
As the game moved into overtime, tension filled the arena. Fans were on the edge of their seats, hoping for a decisive goal that would either tie the series or give the Kings a commanding lead. The Oilers, buoyed by their recent victory in Game 3 where they won 7-4, were looking to maintain their momentum.
In the previous games of the series, the Kings had showcased their scoring ability, winning Game 1 by a score of 6-5 and dominating Game 2 with a 6-2 victory. However, the Oilers had shown resilience, especially in Game 3, where they turned the tide with a strong offensive showing.
Connor McDavid, who had been instrumental in the Oilers' attack, entered Game 4 with seven points (2 goals, 5 assists) through the first three games, while Draisaitl and Bouchard each had five points (2 goals, 3 assists). The Kings, on the other hand, relied heavily on their power-play specialists, Adrian Kempe and Kevin Fiala, who had combined for nine points through the first three games.
“We’ve got a lot of character. We’re going to go down swinging, if we go down,” said Draisaitl in the lead-up to Game 4, reflecting the determination within the Oilers’ locker room.
With the stakes high, both teams were eager to capitalize on any mistakes made by their opponents. The Kings' head coach, Jim Hiller, emphasized the need for composure and focus as they prepared to face the Oilers in a hostile environment.
“Take a look at it, regroup just like they did. It might sound a little boring, but I think this is how these things go,” said Hiller. “It’s emotional, the crowd is emotional, we’re emotional, so we’ve just got to cool our heads out and get ready to play another hockey game.”
As the overtime period began, fans could feel the intensity in the building. Both teams had opportunities to take the lead, but stellar goaltending kept the game tied. Kings' goalie Darcy Kuemper faced a barrage of shots, while the Oilers' Calvin Pickard was equally impressive in net.
As the clock ticked down in overtime, the game remained in a deadlock, showcasing the resilience and skill of both teams. The Kings and Oilers had put on a show, with thrilling back-and-forth action that kept fans engaged until the final whistle.
The Kings will have to regroup quickly as they prepare for the next game, while the Oilers will look to build on their momentum from this hard-fought battle. With the series now tied at 2-2, the stakes have never been higher. Who will emerge victorious in the next matchup?
This series has been a testament to the high-octane nature of playoff hockey, with both teams showcasing their offensive firepower and defensive grit. As the playoffs continue, fans can expect more excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments as these two rivals vie for supremacy in the NHL.
