In a thrilling showdown at Rogers Place, the Edmonton Oilers staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Los Angeles Kings 4-3 in overtime during Game 4 of their first-round playoff series. With this victory, the Oilers have evened the series at two games apiece, showcasing their resilience and determination to fight back after facing a daunting 3-1 deficit through two periods.
The Kings, who had been in control for much of the game, outshot the Oilers 28-15 through the first 40 minutes, leading 3-1 at one point. However, the Oilers, known for their never-give-up attitude, refused to back down. Evan Bouchard, who had struggled earlier in the game, netted a crucial goal with just 12 minutes left, narrowing the Kings’ lead to 3-2. Bouchard then scored again with only 28.4 seconds remaining in regulation, sending the game into overtime and electrifying the home crowd.
Leon Draisaitl, who had a phenomenal performance with a goal and three assists, sealed the victory for the Oilers with a power-play goal at 18:18 of overtime. “It’s probably the most important goal I’ve scored in my career,” Draisaitl said, reflecting on the significance of the moment. “Hopefully there are a couple more to come that are even more important, but I’ll take that for now.”
Connor McDavid, who also contributed with two assists, emphasized the team’s strong belief in their ability to come back from adversity. “We’ve got a strong belief in here — we’ve got a strong belief that we’re never out,” McDavid stated. “People doubting us, putting ourselves in bad spots, but we’re working. We’re digging our way out, trying to find ways to win games, and obviously we found a way tonight.”
The game started poorly for the Oilers, as the Kings took the lead midway through the first period. Phillip Danault assisted Trevor Moore, who scored his second goal of the series, putting Edmonton in an early hole. The Kings extended their lead to 2-0 just 1:31 into the second period when Warren Foegele capitalized on a rebound, scoring his first of the postseason against his former team.
Edmonton responded with a goal on the power play, as Corey Perry displayed his skill by batting a rebound into the net, cutting the Kings’ lead to 2-1. However, the Kings quickly regained their two-goal advantage with Kevin Fiala’s breakaway goal, making it 3-1.
Despite the daunting odds, the Oilers rallied in the third period. Bouchard’s fluke goal, which deflected off a Kings defender, brought the score to 3-2, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. With their net empty and the extra attacker on the ice, Bouchard struck again, tying the game with just seconds left on the clock. This powerful display of grit and determination demonstrated the Oilers’ character and ability to perform under pressure.
In overtime, the Kings had a chance to seal the game but failed to clear the puck, allowing the Oilers to capitalize on their opportunities. A critical tripping penalty against Connor McDavid gave Edmonton a late power play, which Draisaitl took full advantage of, scoring the game-winner off a rebound.
“That’s what this team is, nothing’s ever easy,” Perry remarked after the game. “We keep battling, we keep pushing. We found a way to tie the game and then found a way to end it in overtime.”
Calvin Pickard, the Oilers’ goaltender, made 38 saves, while Kings’ goalie Darcy Kuemper stopped 43 shots, showcasing the intensity of the matchup. The Kings, who have not won a playoff series since 2014, will be looking to regroup as the series shifts back to Los Angeles for Game 5 on April 30, 2025.
This latest chapter in the ongoing rivalry between the two teams marks the fourth consecutive year they have faced off in the first round of the playoffs, with Edmonton having won the last three encounters. The stakes are high as both teams vie for a crucial edge in this tightly contested series.
As the Oilers head into Game 5, they will aim to build on this momentum and continue their fight for playoff success. With their backs against the wall, they have proven they can rise to the occasion, and the excitement among the fans is palpable as they look forward to what promises to be another thrilling encounter.
In the history of the NHL, teams that have led a playoff series 3-1 have gone on to win 90.8% of the time in the past, a statistic that weighs heavily on the Kings as they prepare for the next game. The Oilers, however, have shown they are not a team to be underestimated, and with key players like Draisaitl and McDavid leading the charge, they are poised to make a serious push for victory in the upcoming match.
With the series tied, the excitement surrounding both teams will only continue to grow as they battle for supremacy in this thrilling playoff showdown.
