LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Edmonton Oilers were eager to bounce back in Game 2 of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series against the Los Angeles Kings on April 23, 2025, after a heartbreaking loss in Game 1. The Oilers faced the Kings at Crypto.com Arena with high hopes, bolstered by the return of veteran forward Evander Kane and defenseman John Klingberg, both cleared to play after lengthy injury absences.
In a thrilling Game 1, the Kings edged out the Oilers 6-5 in overtime, having initially built a commanding 4-0 lead. However, the Oilers rallied back, with superstar Connor McDavid leading the charge by assisting on two goals and scoring one himself to tie the game late in the third period. Phillip Danault ultimately sealed the victory for Los Angeles with a goal just 42 seconds before the end of overtime.
Evander Kane, a 15-year NHL veteran, made his much-anticipated season debut, having not played since Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final last June due to surgeries for a sports hernia and a knee injury. "It’s been obviously a long time since I last played a game, and it’s nice to get in and get an opportunity to contribute," Kane said after the morning skate. He was slotted onto the Oilers' second line alongside Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Zach Hyman, a trio that has shown great chemistry in the past.
Kane's return comes at a crucial time. Last postseason, he was a standout performer, leading all players with 13 goals in just 15 games during the 2022 playoffs. The Oilers are counting on that kind of spark again, especially as their top scorers, including McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Hyman, have been shouldering nearly half the team’s offensive load during the regular season.
Meanwhile, John Klingberg also returned to the lineup after missing significant time due to a lower-body injury sustained while blocking a shot on March 27. The Swedish defenseman, who signed with Edmonton in January, has played only 11 games this season due to various injuries. His presence on the blue line is expected to help stabilize a defense that struggled in Game 1.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch made the decision to scratch Jeff Skinner, who played his first NHL playoff game in Game 1 after 1,078 regular-season games. Skinner's removal was not a reflection of his performance, as Knoblauch stated he wanted to capitalize on what Kane could bring to the lineup.
The Oilers are looking to even the series after their Game 1 loss, and with Kane and Klingberg back, there is a palpable sense of optimism. "I was always very confident that I would be back to play. I was unsure when that was going to happen, and I’m looking forward to tonight," Kane added, highlighting his readiness to contribute to the team.
On the other side, the Kings are expected to stick with the same lineup that brought them success in Game 1. Los Angeles became only the fourth team in NHL history to concede a four-goal lead in a playoff game yet still secure a victory. They will be looking to build on their momentum and take a commanding 2-0 series lead.
As the game approached, all eyes were on how Kane would perform after such a long layoff and whether Klingberg could provide the defensive support the Oilers desperately needed. With both players back in action, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Oilers are hoping they can harness the energy and skill of their returning stars to turn the tide in this pivotal matchup.
Fans and analysts alike are keen to see if Kane can replicate his past playoff heroics. The Oilers' success may very well hinge on the effectiveness of their revamped lineup. With the series tied at one game apiece, every shift counts, and both teams are fully aware of the importance of this game.
As the puck drops, the excitement in the arena is electric, with Oilers fans hoping for a turnaround and Kings supporters eager to see their team maintain its edge. The outcome of this game could set the tone for the rest of the series, making it one of the most anticipated matchups of the playoffs.
The Oilers are looking to capitalize on their home-ice advantage and make a statement as they aim to even the series against the formidable Kings. With Kane and Klingberg back on the ice, the Oilers are ready to fight for their playoff lives.
