In a thrilling opener of their fourth consecutive first-round playoff series, the Los Angeles Kings edged out the Edmonton Oilers 6-5 on April 21, 2025, in a game that showcased both teams' resilience and high-octane offense. The Kings, bolstered by a strong performance from Phillip Danault, who scored the game-winner with just 41 seconds left, managed to hold off a fierce Oilers comeback that nearly leveled the score after trailing 4-0.
The Kings set the tone early, racing out to a commanding 4-0 lead late in the second period at their home arena, where they boasted the NHL's best home record. Andrei Kuzmenko, making his Stanley Cup playoff debut, lit the lamp just 2 minutes and 49 seconds into the game, giving Los Angeles an early advantage. Adrian Kempe, Quinton Byfield, and Phillip Danault also contributed to the scoring, with Danault's second goal of the night proving crucial in the dying moments.
Despite the daunting deficit, the Oilers showed their trademark tenacity. Edmonton's captain Connor McDavid led the charge with a goal and three assists, orchestrating a remarkable comeback that saw the Oilers tie the game at 5-5 with just over a minute left. Leon Draisaitl, Mattias Janmark, and Corey Perry also found the back of the net as the Oilers rallied in the final period, making it a nail-biting finish.
“Connor and Leon made some really good plays to get us back in that game,” said Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch. “5-on-5, I thought we had a lot of time in the offensive zone—didn’t get enough chances. And then some breakdowns that led to goals against.”
As the game progressed, the Kings found themselves under pressure, with the Oilers mounting a furious comeback. After trailing 5-3, Zach Hyman and McDavid struck in quick succession, leveling the score with just 1:28 remaining. Hyman scored first, tapping in a pass from McDavid to cut the lead to 5-4, followed by McDavid himself, who blasted a shot past Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper to tie the game.
“We don’t quit. We believe in ourselves,” Hyman said. “We have some really, really talented players who can will us back in the game. And they obviously did that.”
However, the Kings were not to be outdone. With the clock winding down, Danault skated up the middle and unleashed a fluttering shot that found its way past Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner, who had made 24 saves during the game. The goal marked a dramatic twist in a contest that had seen the Oilers claw back from a seemingly insurmountable deficit.
“Now, every single shift, every play matters. Even when you’re down and something happens, it all matters, because you push right to the end,” said Oilers center Adam Henrique. “We showed that, coming back, sticking with it and tying it up late. So we gave ourselves a chance. We’re a resilient group.”
The Kings' victory was particularly historic, as they became only the fourth team in Stanley Cup playoff history to win in regulation after blowing a four-goal lead. This win gives Los Angeles a 1-0 series lead in a matchup that has become a staple of the postseason, with both teams meeting in the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.
“Could be sharper, obviously,” Oilers forward Zack Hyman reflected on the game. “Gave up too many opportunities. They were better than us in the special teams, obviously there. Special teams is huge. We took too many penalties, obviously. Some I didn’t think were penalties, but it is what it is. But, as a group, we could collectively be a lot sharper.”
Looking ahead, Game 2 of the series is set to take place on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Los Angeles. The Oilers will need to regroup quickly after this heartbreaking loss, while the Kings will aim to build on their momentum and take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
As both teams prepare for the next matchup, the stakes couldn't be higher. With the Kings enjoying home-ice advantage for the first time in this playoff series against the Oilers, fans can expect another high-energy contest filled with intensity and drama.
In the end, both teams displayed a level of skill and determination that promises an exciting series ahead. With the Oilers’ ability to rally late and the Kings’ knack for clutch performances, the upcoming games are sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
