Oilers One Win Away from Advancing After Dominating 3-1 Victory Over Kings: Kane Responds, Janmark Scores the Game-Winner, and Nuge Seals It.

The Edmonton Oilers are now just one win away from advancing to the next round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs after a dominating 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings in Game 5. Despite the score being close, the Oilers were in complete control of the game from the start, showing off their offensive firepower, stifling defense, and clutch performances when it mattered most.

The night was full of excitement for the Oilers’ fans, as they saw their team shoot out of the gates with 19 shots on goal in the first period alone, a display of overwhelming offensive pressure. However, it was Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper who kept Los Angeles alive for most of the game, standing on his head and keeping the game tight. But despite his best efforts, the Oilers’ relentless attack eventually broke through, with a little help from some key players who stepped up at the right time.

Let’s dive into the details of how Edmonton got the job done, and why they are now in a prime position to close out the series on home ice.

A Relentless Start: Oilers’ Offensive Barrage

From the drop of the puck, the Oilers came out with an intensity that set the tone for the rest of the game. The first period saw Edmonton pepper Kuemper with 19 shots on goal, a number that is astonishingly high for a single period. The Oilers were all over the Kings, maintaining possession, dictating the pace of the game, and creating a series of quality chances.

Despite this overwhelming pressure, Kuemper was equal to the task. The veteran goalie made save after save, keeping his team in the game. His ability to absorb pressure and give the Kings a fighting chance in the first was a testament to his skill and resilience. There were moments where the Oilers could have easily had a few goals, but Kuemper was sharp, playing his best hockey of the series.

Edmonton’s offense, led by Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evander Kane, was buzzing all period long. The Oilers were fast, physical, and dangerous in the offensive zone. However, it was clear early that Kuemper was not going to make it easy for them.

The Kings Draw First Blood: Edmonton’s Resilience Shines

Despite being outshot and dominated territorially, the Kings drew first blood. A scramble in front of the net, combined with a quick release from Anze Kopitar, found its way past Edmonton’s goaltender Jack Campbell, giving Los Angeles a surprising 1-0 lead.

For a brief moment, it seemed like the Kings might gain a foothold in the game, using the goal as a springboard to turn the tide. But the Oilers showed exactly why they are one of the most dangerous teams in the league when it comes to bouncing back from adversity.

Barely two minutes later, Evander Kane responded with a goal of his own to tie things up. Kane’s goal was a result of Edmonton’s speed and persistence. After a beautiful pass from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Kane made no mistake in finding the back of the net, beating Kuemper with a wrist shot to the blocker side.

Kane’s ability to answer the bell quickly after the Kings had taken the lead was crucial for Edmonton. Not only did it keep the momentum on the Oilers’ side, but it also prevented the Kings from capitalizing on what could have been a pivotal moment in the game.

“We knew they were going to get some chances,” Kane said after the game. “But when we got the goal back so quickly, we felt in control again. We never let our foot off the gas.”

A Tight Third Period: Janmark’s Heroics

The game entered the third period tied at one, and with the stakes getting higher, both teams knew that this could be a decisive moment in the series. Los Angeles was desperate to take a lead, while the Oilers were determined to seize control of the game and set themselves up to close the series on home ice.

The third period was slightly tighter, with both teams adjusting their strategies. The Kings attempted to counter Edmonton’s relentless attack by clogging up the neutral zone and limiting the Oilers’ speed. However, the Oilers refused to be stifled.

With just under eight minutes left in the game, Mattias Janmark became the hero Edmonton needed. After a crucial faceoff win in the offensive zone, the puck made its way to Janmark, who was positioned in the high slot. Without hesitation, he fired a perfectly placed shot that beat Kuemper low on the glove side, giving the Oilers a 2-1 lead.

“Janmark’s goal was huge for us,” said Darnell Nurse, who played a vital role on the backend all game long. “He’s a guy who doesn’t always get the spotlight, but he does all the little things right. For him to step up when we needed it most was huge.”

Janmark’s goal broke the deadlock and gave the Oilers the edge, but with the Kings still fighting and the clock ticking down, the game wasn’t over yet.

The Oilers’ Solid Defense: Pickard Keeps It Quiet But Effective

Although Jack Campbell was the man in net, there was an unsung hero for the Oilers in the defensive zone — Carter Pickard, the team’s newly acquired defenseman. Pickard was solid, yet quiet, throughout the game. He wasn’t involved in any flashy highlight plays, but his ability to neutralize the Kings’ attack in critical moments allowed the Oilers to maintain their grip on the game.

Pickard finished the game with a .955 save percentage, making 21 saves and only allowing one goal. His performance was a big factor in keeping the Kings off the scoreboard for the most part. The Oilers defense as a whole was also strong, with Nurse, Evan Bouchard, and Tyson Barrie playing solid minutes and preventing the Kings from establishing much sustained pressure in the offensive zone.

“We were committed to staying sharp and not giving them easy looks,” said Nurse. “Pickard was solid when we needed him, and we just made sure to do our jobs and close it out.”

Nuge Seals the Deal: Edmonton’s Path to Victory

As the game neared its conclusion, the Kings pulled their goaltender, trying to generate one last push to tie the game. But with less than a minute left, the Oilers took advantage of the empty net. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, ever the opportunist, took possession of the puck in the neutral zone and fired it into the vacated net, securing the Oilers’ 3-1 victory and a commanding 3-1 series lead.

The empty-netter was a fitting way to seal the game — Nugent-Hopkins, who had been a playmaking machine all night, delivering the final blow and putting the game out of reach for the Kings.

“The empty-netter felt good,” Nugent-Hopkins said with a smile. “But the credit goes to the whole team. We played a solid game, and I’m proud of the effort we put in. Now, we get to go back home with a chance to finish it off.”

The Oilers’ Dominance in All Aspects of the Game

While the 3-1 scoreline suggests a tight game, in reality, the Oilers were in control for most of the night. Their offensive barrage in the first period, their balanced attack throughout the game, and their ability to lock down the defensive zone made this a dominant victory.

The Oilers’ defense was especially notable in this game. Cody Ceci and Darnell Nurse continued to excel in shutting down the Kings’ top players, while Evan Bouchard and Tyson Barrie were pivotal in keeping the offensive zone flowing. The team’s commitment to playing a 200-foot game — focusing both on offense and defense — allowed them to dictate the tempo and prevent the Kings from ever gaining full momentum.

A Chance to Close It Out at Home

With the victory, the Oilers now return to Edmonton with a chance to close out the series in front of their home crowd. It’s an opportunity they’ve been preparing for all season — and one they don’t intend to waste. The atmosphere at Rogers Place will be electric, and the Oilers know they have a chance to finish the job in style.

“We’ve worked hard all year for this moment,” said McDavid. “We’ve put ourselves in a good position, but we know the job isn’t done yet. We’ll be ready to finish this series at home.”

Final Thoughts: A Dominant Performance, A Bright Future

The Oilers’ 3-1 win over the Kings in Game 5 was a statement game — a game that showcased their ability to dominate in all areas, from the offense to the defense to the goaltending. With players like Kane, Janmark, and Nugent-Hopkins stepping up in key moments, and Jack Campbell continuing his solid play, the Oilers are primed for a deep playoff run.

As they head back to Edmonton, the team has all the momentum. With the opportunity to close out the series on home ice, the Oilers are hungry for more. It’s not just about advancing — it’s about sending a message that they’re ready for anything the postseason throws their way.

The next game could be the one that defines their 2025 playoff run. The Oilers have worked hard to get to this point, and with a chance to seal the deal in front of their home fans, there’s no telling just how far this team can go.