The Edmonton Oilers have once again proven their dominance over the Los Angeles Kings, clinching their fourth consecutive first-round playoff series victory with a thrilling 6-4 win in Game 6 on Thursday night. This victory not only secures their place in the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs but also marks another chapter in the storied rivalry between these two teams.
After falling behind 2-0 in the series, the Oilers showcased their resilience by winning four straight games, demonstrating their ability to adapt and overcome adversity. The decisive Game 6 was a nail-biter from the start, with both teams exchanging goals in a frenetic opening period that saw four goals scored in the first six minutes.
It all kicked off just 1:19 into the game when Quinton Byfield netted a breakaway goal for the Kings, courtesy of a perfect setup from Kevin Fiala. However, the Oilers quickly responded, tying the game at 3:04 when Connor Brown's shot deflected off Adam Henrique and into the net for his first goal of the postseason.
Just 33 seconds later, the Kings regained the lead with Brandt Clarke scoring on a shot that appeared to deflect off Darnell Nurse's stick, making it 2-1. But the Oilers were not to be outdone; they tied the game again at the 5:55 mark when Ryan Nugent-Hopkins capitalized on a power play, rifling in a shot from a beautiful cross-ice pass by Connor McDavid.
As the first period progressed, the Oilers took control, with Zach Hyman deflecting a shot from Nurse into the net to give Edmonton a 3-2 lead with just under seven minutes left in the opening frame. The scoring frenzy continued into the second period, where Darnell Nurse scored from distance to extend the Oilers' lead to 4-2.
Trent Frederic, who recently joined the Oilers at the trade deadline, made his mark by scoring his first goal with the team, pushing the score to 5-2 with just over three minutes left in the second period. The Kings fought back, with Jordan Spence scoring a one-timer to cut the deficit to 5-3 before the end of the period.
The third period saw the Kings ramp up their efforts, and they got within one goal when Anze Kopitar redirected a point shot from Drew Doughty into the net with just 55 seconds remaining. With the momentum shifting, the Kings pulled their goalie to try and tie the game. However, Connor Brown sealed the deal for the Oilers with an empty-net goal just two seconds before the final buzzer.
Calvin Pickard stood tall in net for the Oilers, making 23 saves, while Darcy Kuemper of the Kings stopped 23 of 28 shots faced. This win not only advances the Oilers to the next round but also continues their impressive record against the Kings in the playoffs, having eliminated them in four consecutive seasons.
Historically, the Kings have struggled in the playoffs, now without a series win since 2014 when they triumphed over the New York Rangers to claim the Stanley Cup. In stark contrast, the Oilers have been formidable in series-clinching games, boasting a 7-1 record in such situations over the last four playoffs, with their only loss occurring in Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.
As the Oilers prepare to face the Vegas Golden Knights in the second round, they will carry the momentum and confidence gained from their comeback in this series. The Kings, on the other hand, will need to regroup and reassess their strategy as they look to break their playoff drought in the future.
For the Oilers, this victory is not just a series win; it's a testament to their character and skill. With stars like Connor McDavid, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and the newly acquired Trent Frederic stepping up, the Oilers are poised for a deep playoff run. Fans are eagerly anticipating what lies ahead as they aim for the ultimate prize: the Stanley Cup.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on May 1, 2025, and updated later that evening.
