LOS ANGELES (AP) — In a thrilling playoff showdown, Mattias Janmark's tiebreaking goal propelled the Edmonton Oilers to a hard-fought 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night, April 29, 2025. This win marks the Oilers' third consecutive victory and grants them a 3-2 lead in their first-round playoff series.
Janmark's crucial goal came at 7:12 of the third period, when he converted a rebound off a shot from Viktor Arvidsson, breaking a 1-1 deadlock. The Oilers, who have been dominating possession and shots throughout the series, finally saw their efforts rewarded. Following Janmark's goal, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins sealed the game with an empty-net goal, ensuring Edmonton's franchise-record third straight comeback playoff victory.
Evander Kane and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also found the back of the net for the Oilers, with Kane tying the game at 1-1 shortly after Andrei Kuzmenko opened the scoring for the Kings. Calvin Pickard was solid in goal for Edmonton, making 20 saves as the defending Western Conference champions look to advance in the playoffs.
“We knew we had to keep pushing,” said Janmark after the game. “We’ve been working hard, and it’s nice to see that pay off. Every game is crucial, and we’re excited to take this momentum back to Edmonton.”
The Oilers have turned the series around since Game 4, where they mounted a comeback to win in overtime. They have outshot the Kings 79-34 since the start of the third period of Game 4, showcasing their offensive prowess and relentless pursuit of victory.
Despite the Kings' early lead in the series, winning the first two games at home, they have struggled to maintain their momentum. They led in the final minute of Game 4 before succumbing to the Oilers, and their inability to close out games has raised concerns about their playoff resilience. The Kings' captain, Anze Kopitar, expressed frustration after the loss, stating, “We need to find a way to finish games. We can’t let opportunities slip away like this.”
In Game 5, the Kings initially took the lead when Kuzmenko tipped in a shot from Kopitar during a power play. This marked Kuzmenko's sixth point of the postseason and his 23rd point in just 27 games since joining the Kings less than two months ago. However, the Oilers quickly responded, with Kane netting his second goal of the series from the slot.
Kane's performance has been impressive since returning from injury, as he has accumulated three points, 14 shots on net, and 17 hits over four playoff contests. “It’s been a long road back, but I feel good and ready to contribute,” Kane noted. “I’m just trying to play my game and help the team win.”
The Oilers' dominance in shots was evident, with a staggering 33 attempts in the first two periods alone, the most allowed by the Kings all season. The Kings had previously scored 19 goals in the first four games of the series, but they have struggled to find their rhythm against Edmonton's tenacious defense.
“We need to get back to playing our style of hockey,” said Kings' goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who faced a barrage of shots and made 43 saves in the game. “It’s about staying disciplined and executing our game plan. We can’t let them dictate the pace.”
As the series shifts back to Edmonton for Game 6 on Thursday, May 1, 2025, the Oilers are poised to capitalize on their recent success. A win would not only advance them to the next round but also serve as a testament to their resilience and determination.
The Kings, on the other hand, find themselves on the brink of elimination, needing to regroup and find a way to reclaim their earlier form. With the home crowd behind them, they will look to turn the tide and force a Game 7.
As the excitement builds for Game 6, fans are left wondering if the Oilers can continue their winning streak or if the Kings can mount a comeback to keep their playoff hopes alive. One thing is for certain: the intensity of playoff hockey is at its peak, and both teams are ready to battle for every inch on the ice.
