LOS ANGELES -- The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the Edmonton Oilers take on the Los Angeles Kings in Game 1 of the Western Conference First Round at Crypto.com Arena on Monday, April 21, 2025. The puck drops at 10 p.m. EDT, with fans eager to see how this fierce rivalry unfolds in the playoffs.
This matchup marks the fourth consecutive year that these two Pacific Division teams will face off in the playoffs, with the Oilers having triumphed in each of the previous series. The Kings, however, are determined to change their fortunes this time around, especially after finishing the regular season strong with a record of 48-25-9, earning them 105 points and second place in the division.
The Kings have been on a roll, winning three of their four regular-season meetings against the Oilers, including two decisive victories earlier this month, where they outscored Edmonton 8-0 in total. The Kings' momentum is palpable, and they are ready to leverage their home-ice advantage, having been the NHL’s best home team this season with a record of 31-6-4.
"If you want to make it all the way, you’ve got to beat them at some point," Kings forward Quinton Byfield stated, highlighting the importance of this matchup. Kings coach Jim Hiller echoed this sentiment, saying, "I’m glad we’re in, and I’m glad we get a chance to break through anybody. We haven’t broke through for a while. It’s time for us." The Kings last advanced past the first round in 2014 when they won the Stanley Cup.
On the other side, the Oilers are led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, both of whom are back in the lineup for this crucial game. Draisaitl, who won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy for leading the NHL with 52 goals in 71 games, is returning after missing seven games due to a lower-body injury. McDavid, who recorded 100 points (26 goals, 74 assists) in 67 games, is also looking to make a significant impact after returning from his own injury.
"They know us and we know them," said Lightning forward Brayden Point regarding the familiarity between the teams. The intensity of their rivalry is underscored by the fact that this is the fourth playoff meeting in five years. Last season, the Kings managed to eliminate the Oilers in a six-game series, marking a significant turnaround from the previous years when Edmonton had the upper hand.
As the teams prepare for the opening game, the stakes couldn't be higher. Both teams are coming off strong finishes to the regular season, with the Kings going 8-2 in their last ten games, averaging 4.3 goals per game, while the Oilers are 7-3, averaging 2.6 goals per game. The Kings have a +46 scoring differential, scoring 249 goals while allowing 203, compared to the Oilers' 48-29-5 record and 15-10-1 against Pacific Division opponents.
"We’ve kind of known that the other one’s going to be there at the end of the year. It’s kind of always, we’re going to have to go through each other," said Panthers forward Sam Reinhart, a sentiment that resonates with the Kings and Oilers as they gear up for yet another playoff battle.
The Kings' roster boasts key players like Adrian Kempe, who has scored 35 goals and 38 assists this season, and Kevin Fiala, who has also contributed significantly. Meanwhile, the Oilers' offensive prowess is highlighted by Draisaitl and McDavid, who are both among the top five points-per-game scorers in NHL playoff history.
As the game approaches, fans can look forward to watching it live on ESPN2 or through various streaming services, including a free trial for DirecTV Stream and FuboTV. The matchup promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams eager to assert themselves in the playoffs.
The Kings and Oilers have a storied history in the playoffs, and this year's series is shaping up to be another chapter in their ongoing rivalry. With both teams boasting formidable lineups and the stakes higher than ever, fans are in for an unforgettable night of hockey.
In addition to the Kings and Oilers, the Eastern Conference is also heating up as the Florida Panthers prepare to face the Tampa Bay Lightning in their own playoff series. The Panthers, who won the Eastern Conference last season, are looking to continue their successful run against a Lightning team that has dominated the playoffs in recent years.
As the playoffs unfold, all eyes will be on the Kings and Oilers, where every game could be a defining moment for both franchises. Will the Kings finally break through and claim victory in this fierce rivalry, or will the Oilers continue their dominance? As the puck drops, the excitement is palpable, and fans can’t wait to see how this series unfolds.
