The Los Angeles Kings host the Edmonton Oilers at Crypto.com Arena tonight at 10:00 PM ET for Game 6 of their first round playoff series. Edmonton leads the series 3-2 and has a chance to close it out in front of their fans, while Los Angeles looks to extend the series to a decisive Game 7.

 

Recent Performance

Edmonton Oilers (3–2 Series Lead)
The Oilers have won two straight, including a dominant 3-1 win in Game 5 on the road. Evander Kane potted a goal early and Mattias Janmark scored the game winning goal. They’ll look to finish the series strong with their third straight win tonight on home ice.

 

Los Angeles Kings (2–3 Series Deficit)
After taking a leap 2-0 in the series, the Kings struggled in Game 5 and now trail 3-2 on the brink of elimination. They were outshot and outplayed, with their only goal coming early in the 2nd period on the man advantage. Los Angeles will need a complete effort at home to force a Game 7 back on home ice.

 

Team Records and Trends

Edmonton Oilers
Home Record: 2-0 in this series
Power Play: 33.3%
Penalty Kill: 55.6%
Record vs. LAK (this year): 4-5

 

Los Angeles Kings
Road Record: 0-2 in this series
Power Play: 44.4%
Penalty Kill: 67.7%
Record vs. EDM (this year): 5-4

 

Key Players to Watch

Edmonton Oilers
Connor McDavid – McDavid has been electric with 2 goals and 8 assists through five games (10 points). He’s elevated his play as the series progresses and remains the most dangerous player on the ice, especially on the power play.
Zach Hyman – Hyman leads all players on the Oilers in the series with 36 hits and consistently generating high-danger chances in front of the net. His scoring touch and physicality have made a major impact.

 

Los Angeles Kings
Anze Kopitar – Kopitar has been steady with 1 goal and 7 assists in five games. He’ll be leaned on heavily in Game 6 to shut down Edmonton’s top line and contribute offensively.
Adrian Kempe – Kempe has 4 goals and 6 assists so far. His speed and finishing ability make him a key threat, especially on the rush. The Kings need him to be at his best with elimination on the line.

 

Injury Report

Edmonton Oilers
Mattias Ekholm – Out

 

Los Angeles Kings
Tanner Jeannot – Out

 

Goaltending Matchup

Edmonton Oilers
Calvin Pickard – Confirmed starter. Pickard has improved throughout the series and was solid again in Game 5, stopping 21 of 22 shots. He’s 3-0 in the games he’s started this year with a 2.62 goals against average and a .904 save percentage in this series.

 

Los Angeles Kings
Darcy Kuemper – Confirmed starter. Kuemper was peppered with shots in Game 5 and allowed 2 goals on 45 shots. He holds a 2-3-0 record with a 3.44 goals against average and an .899 save percentage in the series.

 

Game Outlook

The Oilers come into Game 6 with momentum and a chance to close out the series on home ice in front of their fans. Their power play and top stars have been difference makers, and with Calvin Pickard stabilizing the defence they look strong. The Kings must tighten up defensively and find more offense if they hope to force a Game 7. Expect urgency from both teams and a high paced, physical game with the stakes that are sky high.

 

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