The Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers play Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. The puck drops at 10:00PM ET. Los Angeles leads the series 1-0 after winning a wild Game 1 by a score of 6-5.
Both teams finished the regular season with 48 wins, but the Kings earned the 2-seed in the Pacific while Edmonton grabbed the 3-seed. This is the fourth straight year they’ve met in the first round. The Oilers have won each of the previous three series, including two after losing Game 1.
Kings Preview – Looking to Build on Game 1 Success
The Kings jumped out to a 4-0 lead and still led 5-2 early in the third period. Although they allowed Edmonton to tie the game late, Phillip Danault scored the game-winner with just 42 seconds left. The win gives Los Angeles an early edge and confidence going into Game 2.
Los Angeles had the edge in special teams, converting 2 of 5 power plays while killing off both Edmonton chances. They also limited Edmonton to just six shots through the first half of the game. The Kings have leaned on their defensive structure all year and used it to frustrate the Oilers early on.
Adrian Kempe, Quinton Byfield, and Kevin Fiala all played key roles in the opener. Danault’s late goal capped a performance that showed the Kings can hang offensively. Coach Jim Hiller noted the team missed chances to put the game away earlier, something they’ll try to fix in Game 2.
Oilers Preview – Need a Better Start in Game 2
Edmonton nearly pulled off a major comeback in Game 1. After falling behind 4-0, they scored three goals in the third and tied the game with under two minutes left. Despite the loss, the comeback showed the Oilers’ offense can strike fast when needed.
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl led the late push, but the Oilers know they need more from the start. Goalie Stuart Skinner stopped just 24 of 30 shots in the loss. He’ll need to be sharper as the series continues. The team could get help soon if Evander Kane or John Klingberg return from injury.
Edmonton was 23-17-2 on the road in the regular season and has won in Los Angeles during previous playoff runs. They’ve been in this spot before, dropping Game 1 and bouncing back. The Oilers scored over three goals per game this season and are always a threat to go on a run.
Betting Prediction
The Kings are slight favorites at -130 with the total set at 6.0. Game 1 went over the total, and four of the last six meetings have done the same. Edmonton has won four of the last six games between the teams, including a shutout win earlier this month.
The Kings played better for most of Game 1, but the Oilers’ late rally shows how dangerous they are. If Edmonton cleans up its defense and gets more saves, this series should be tied after Wednesday. Expect a close one with the Oilers getting the edge.
Pick: Edmonton Oilers +118 over Los Angeles Kings in Game 2.
