The first-round playoff clash in the Stanley Cup between the Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers will take place on April 22 at the Crypto.com Arena. Los Angeles vs. Edmonton: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Los Angeles Kings
Jim Hiller's team finished the regular season fourth in the Western Conference and second in the Pacific Division, marking their best achievement in the last nine years. Notably, Los Angeles emerged as one of the most reliable teams in the NHL, conceding just 206 goals, second only to Winnipeg. However, the team struggled with power play efficiency, with a conversion rate of 17.9%. Adrian Kempe was the top scorer for Los Angeles, amassing 73 points (35 goals, 38 assists) this season.
The upcoming playoffs will be the club's third consecutive appearance, but they were eliminated in the first round in the previous two instances, with Edmonton as their opponent. Los Angeles is a two-time Stanley Cup champion (2012, 2014).
- Los Angeles has not scored more than three goals in regulation time in their last four home NHL meetings against Edmonton.
- The team has won in regulation time in 8 of their last 11 home games in the league.
- At least six goals have been scored in regulation time in 4 of Los Angeles' last 5 NHL matches.
Edmonton Oilers
Chris Knoblauch's squad finished sixth in the Western Conference and third in the Pacific Division during the regular season. For the first time in the last three seasons, the team did not rank among the top five in scoring in the NHL, netting only 259 goals. Leon Draisaitl was the team's top scorer, accumulating 106 points (52 goals, 54 assists), placing him among the league's top three scorers. Connor McDavid, another key figure for Edmonton, was just six points behind with 100 points (26 goals, 74 assists), also ranking among the NHL's top scorers this season.
Last year, the club reached the finals but lost to Florida in seven games. The upcoming Stanley Cup will be Edmonton's sixth consecutive appearance. In the 21st century, the club has never won the league's main trophy and has reached the finals only twice (2006, 2024).
- Edmonton has not scored more than two goals in regulation time in 4 of their last 6 NHL meetings in Los Angeles.
- The club has won 6 of their last 9 away games in the NHL (1 in overtime).
- Edmonton has not conceded more than three goals in regulation time in their last six away NHL matches.
Los Angeles vs. Edmonton: Match Prediction
Jim Hiller's team had a more stable regular season compared to previous years. They have a solid defense and quality players. Overall, they would be close to advancing past the first playoff round if not for facing Edmonton again.
Chris Knoblauch's squad had a worse season than the last. The team noticeably lost quality, and their defense was not impressive, but their main weapons, Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, helped them stay competitive throughout the regular season. With these players in good form, Edmonton can again pose problems for their opponents, and since both are currently stable and regularly scoring points, the team has little to worry about.
Los Angeles appears more stable now, but in the playoffs, experience and the involvement of leaders often decide the outcome, and in this regard, Chris Knoblauch's team is unlikely to be outdone by their opponents. It seems that the visitors can break through the opponent's defense, even though Los Angeles is strong defensively. In 4 of their last 6 away NHL games, Edmonton has scored at least three goals in regulation time. The team's average scoring rate this season is also three goals per game.
My prediction: Edmonton Oilers Individual Total Over 2.5
