What began as a best-of-seven series, then became a best-of-five when LA split the first two games in Edmonton. Now, it’s morphed into a best-of-three series — following a miraculous Oilers comeback in Game 4. Entering Game 5 in Edmonton on Tuesday night, this series has had it all; it’s been exciting hockey between two very good teams. At least one thing has been made clear thus far, no lead is safe for either club.
Game 4 was a heartbreaking loss for LA, when they were up by three goals after the first period and then gave it all back. Edmonton has also blown two leads in both of the games that LA has come out on top. A major concern for the Kings is that the guys supplying secondary scoring for the Oilers are now contributing; players such as, Evander Kane and Zach Hyman. If those guys continue to find the back of the net, along with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who have been able to score on LA at times in this series, that could be worrisome.
On the bright side, LA is bringing a fairly healthy lineup into Game 5. Having Kevin Fiala back on the ice is a potential series-changer for the team. It creates scoring depth on three lines, which should create major matchup issues for Jay Woodcroft. It will also be interesting to see if Blake Lizotte is able to return at some point; he has missed the last two games and isn’t expected to play tonight.
One minor note to pass along, Arthur Kaliyev did not travel with the team, as he’s under the weather.
And here’s some fresh content for your pregame listening pleasure:
NHL RADIO REPLAY: Mayor’s Minutes – Hoven on Arvidsson, Gavrikov, and Kings v Oilers
LA Kings Projected Lineup vs. Edmonton Oilers
Byfield – Kopitar – Kempe
Moore – Danault – Arvidsson
Fiala – Vilardi – Iafallo
Anderson-Dolan – Kupari – Grundstrom
Anderson – Doughty
Gavrikov – Roy
Edler – Durzi
Korpisalo
Copley
Likely scratches: Kaliyev (did not travel, ill), Lizotte, MacEwen, Walker
Black Aces: Bjornfot, Laferriere, Petersen
Key Game Info
Puck drop is set for 6:30 pm PST and will be televised by Channel 13.
Across the Ice
Here’s how the Oilers are expected to line up:
Nugent-Hopkins – McDavid – Hyman
Kane – Draisaitl – Yamamoto
Foegele – McLeod – Ryan
Kostin – Bjugstad – Shore
Nurse – Ceci
Ekholm – Bouchard
Kulak – Desharnais
Skinner
Campbell
On This Day in Kings History
On April 25, 1993, Robb Stauber made 28 saves and earned a win in his NHL playoff debut against Calgary. Warren Rychel scored the game-winning goal in a 3-1 win in Game 4, and the @LAKings drew even with the Flames in the Smythe Division Semifinals at 2-2.#LAKings #GoKingsGo pic.twitter.com/lRxRFoCXdh
— The Kingstorian (@Kingstorian) April 25, 2023
RELATED CONTENT:
Kings Of The Podcast Ep. 154: Stanley Cup Playoff Predictions, Vilardi, and LA vs. Edmonton
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