High stakes for Oilers as Connor McDavid's future hangs in the balance with Round 1 matchup against Kings set for fourth straight time

By Mike Whitaker

Modified Apr 13, 2025 05:34 GMT

Follow Us

Share

0 Discuss

The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings are matched up against one another in the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, marking the fourth consecutive season they will meet one another to kick off the postseason.

The Kings are hoping that the fourth time will be the charm, having faced defeat in three consecutive seasons. They underwent a considerable risk during the last offseason, as they acquired goaltender Darcy Kuemper from the Washington Capitals in exchange for the underperforming Pierre-Luc Dubois.

The trade worked like a charm for both clubs, as Kuemper has completely revitlized his career after being designated a backup in Washington, while Dubois has fit in well in his new home.

Meanwhile, the Oilers have former Kings forward Viktor Arvidsson in their lineup this time around while the Kings have ex-Oilers forward Warren Foegele.

This will also mark the very first postseason of veteran Edmonton forward Jeff Skinner, who is playing in his 15th NHL season but had yet to taste any playoff action with the Carolina Hurricanes and Buffalo Sabres.

Kings to have home ice advantage against Oilers

For each of the first three straight playoff matchups between the two clubs, Edmonton has enjoyed home ice advantage.

However, this time it will be the Kings who will have the first two games of the series played on their home ice at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles; they also would host Games 5 and 7 if necessary.

Connor McDavid, who recently returned to the lineup from a lower-body injury, is only under contract with the Oilers for an additional season; many feel that this year's postseason run will determine his long-term future with the franchise.

If Edmonton is to make another lengthy postseason run and run it back to the Stanley Cup final as they did last season, they'll need to get past the rival Kings. They'll have to do it with the goaltending tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard, who general manager Stan Bowman decided was the appropriate duo for his club despite calls for making an upgrade via trade.

This time around, the Kings are rightfully feeling more confident in their abilities to move past the opening round and their nemesis, who've ended their season in each of the last three years.