LOS ANGELES – The stage is set for a thrilling Game 5 as the Los Angeles Kings host the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The series is tied 2-2, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as both teams vie for a crucial edge in this best-of-seven matchup.
Tonight’s game will take place at Crypto.com Arena at 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT) and will be available for viewing on TBS and various streaming platforms. Fans can catch the action for free through DirecTV Stream’s five-day trial or take advantage of promotional offers on Sling TV.
The Kings entered this series full of confidence, winning the first two games at home with scores of 6-5 and 6-2. However, their momentum took a hit as they dropped both Games 3 and 4 in Edmonton, including a heartbreaking 4-3 overtime loss in Game 4. In that game, the Oilers managed to tie the score with just 29 seconds left in regulation, forcing overtime where Leon Draisaitl scored the game-winner.
As the Kings prepare for Game 5, they are looking to regain their home-ice advantage. The Kings have been strong at home this season, boasting 33 victories out of 43 games across both the regular season and playoffs. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who made an impressive 44 saves in Game 4, is projected to start again, bringing his playoff experience to the forefront.
“We’ve felt great on home ice all year, so it’s going to be a big game,” Kuemper said, emphasizing the importance of returning to familiar territory.
Phillip Danault has emerged as a key player for the Kings throughout the series, contributing significantly with seven points so far, tying him with Anze Kopitar for second on the team behind Adrian Kempe’s nine. Danault’s performances have not only been impactful on the scoreboard but also defensively, as he has been tasked with matching up against the Oilers' star players, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
“It’s the best hockey I’ve seen him play,” Kings coach Jim Hiller remarked about Danault, noting his ability to block shots and win crucial faceoffs. “He’s been really, really good. That’s what you need this time of the year.”
Kevin Fiala has also been a standout for the Kings, scoring in every game of the series and totaling five points (three goals and two assists) so far. His ability to find the net has been crucial in keeping the Kings competitive against the high-scoring Oilers.
On the other side, the Oilers are coming off a strong performance in Game 4, where Draisaitl not only scored the overtime winner but also assisted on three other goals, bringing his total to three goals and six assists in the series. His consistent performance has seen him extend his playoff point streak against the Kings to an impressive 18 games, racking up 17 goals and 18 assists during this stretch.
Edmonton’s power play has also been a significant factor, scoring four goals in the last two games. The Kings will need to tighten their special teams if they hope to contain the Oilers' potent offense.
The Kings are making some adjustments ahead of Game 5, with defenseman Jordan Spence returning to the lineup after being a healthy scratch in Game 4. Coach Hiller confirmed Spence’s inclusion, stating, “He’s had different times during the season where he’s sat out, had a reset and come back in and played really well.”
As the Kings look to bounce back, the pressure is on them to capitalize on their home advantage. The home team has won all previous matchups in this series, and historically, teams that win Game 5 in a best-of-seven series have emerged victorious 79.2% of the time.
“We’re coming back home where we’re comfortable, confident and where we want to be,” forward Quinton Byfield stated, echoing the sentiments of his teammates. “We’ve been confident all year on home ice and obviously the crowd’s been great for us.”
However, the Kings are aware that they cannot afford to underestimate the Oilers, who have shown resilience throughout the series. After losing Games 1 and 2, Edmonton rebounded with two strong performances at home, showcasing their ability to adapt and respond.
“We’d like to be up 3-1 but I think overall, we played two pretty solid games on the road,” Kempe reflected. “Right now we come back home, where we’ve been good all year.”
As the puck drops tonight, all eyes will be on Crypto.com Arena, where the Kings aim to reclaim the series lead and take a step closer to advancing in the playoffs. With both teams equally matched and the series hanging in the balance, fans can expect a thrilling showdown.
In conclusion, Game 5 promises to be a pivotal moment in this first-round series. With the Kings looking to leverage their home-ice advantage and the Oilers eager to continue their momentum, hockey fans are in for an exciting night of playoff action.
