The Los Angeles Kings officially clinched home ice advantage on Monday night when they defeated the Edmonton Oilers 5-0 in their penultimate road game. Winning their third straight game and their seventh in the last eight outings, the Kings earned their 47th win and 102nd and 103rd points on the season. Despite facing a depleted Oilers squad, the Kings capitalized on their opportunities, showcasing their dominance on the ice.
Missing key players such as Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Evander Kane, Zach Hyman, Trent Frederic, Jake Walman, and Mattias Ekholm, the Oilers struggled to keep pace with the Kings. Nonetheless, they played the team in front of them, and the Kings took full advantage of the situation.
The game was filled with chaos, featuring a total of 21 penalties and 69 penalty minutes, setting the stage for a physical matchup. The Kings struck first just 2:55 into the game when Warren Foegele, playing against his former team, extended his career-high goal tally to 23 with a goal that came from a rebound off the end boards. This early goal set the tone for Los Angeles, who quickly doubled their lead midway through the first period.
Quinton Byfield, a rising star for the Kings, tipped in a point shot from Adrian Kempe, marking his fourth consecutive game with a goal and bringing his season total to 23. Byfield's redirection beat Oilers' goaltender Calvin Pickard, putting Los Angeles ahead 2-0. The Kings continued to press, and with just 1:15 remaining in the first period, Vladislav Gavrikov scored his fifth goal of the season, making it 3-0.
As the second period unfolded, the game became even more chaotic. The Kings added to their lead on the power play when Kevin Fiala scored his 35th goal of the season, a blistering one-timer that found the back of the net. Fiala's goal was a testament to the Kings' offensive prowess, as they capitalized on the Oilers' mistakes.
However, the night was not without controversy. Darnell Nurse of the Oilers received a game misconduct after a violent cross-check to Byfield, who did not return to the game. Nurse's actions could lead to a suspension as the Oilers prepare for the playoffs.
Despite the Oilers' struggles, they managed to generate some Grade A chances, but the Kings' defense was solid. The Kings led 4-0 after 40 minutes, and the third period saw a more subdued approach from both teams. The Kings, however, added one more goal when Adrian Kempe scored his 34th of the season, solidifying the 5-0 victory.
In goal, Darcy Kuemper was stellar, stopping all 16 shots he faced before being pulled for David Rittich, who stopped all five shots in the final minutes. The Kings' impressive performance not only secured them the win but also set the stage for their upcoming playoff series against the same Oilers, which promises to be an intense rematch.
The Kings have now won 31 of their 48 games as the moneyline favorite this season and have shown they can perform under pressure. Their recent form, with six wins in their last seven games, has made them a formidable opponent heading into the postseason.
As for the Oilers, this loss serves as a wake-up call. With key players missing, they will need to regroup quickly to find their rhythm. They have shown resilience in the past, and the upcoming playoff series against the Kings will be a critical test of their character and ability to bounce back.
Looking ahead, both teams will meet again in Los Angeles for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs, where the stakes will be higher, and the intensity will ramp up. Fans can expect a thrilling series as the Kings and Oilers battle for supremacy in the postseason.
