“That was a nice reminder of how we can play when we’re urgent & desperate.” As the #Oilers dominated Los Angeles, Mattias Janmark scored the game-winning goal. The series can be concluded in Edmonton on Thursday.

The Edmonton Oilers have taken a commanding step toward advancing to the next round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs after their 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings in Game 5 of their first-round series. The Oilers’ dominant performance was underscored by a critical game-winning goal from Mattias Janmark, which shifted the momentum in favor of the home team and put them on the cusp of closing out the series. With a 3-2 lead, Edmonton now has the opportunity to conclude the series on Thursday in front of their home crowd in Edmonton.

The game, which took place in Los Angeles, was a pivotal matchup with the series hanging in the balance. While the Kings had managed to tie the series at 2-2 in Game 4, they were unable to seize the advantage in Game 5. The Oilers, showing desperation and urgency, executed a near-perfect performance, despite the fact that the Kings were the first to get on the scoreboard. But Edmonton responded with timely goals and a strong defensive showing, culminating in a stellar 43-save performance from Darcy Kuemper of Los Angeles that wasn’t enough to stop the Oilers from taking control.

The Early Moments: Kings Strike First

From the opening puck drop, both teams came out with a heightened sense of urgency. The game felt as though it was destined to be a hard-fought battle, and it didn’t disappoint. The Kings, playing in front of their home crowd, were eager to take a stranglehold on the series with a win.

It didn’t take long for Los Angeles to capitalize on a key power play opportunity. Just 4:35 into the first period, Andrei Kuzmenko found the back of the net on a slapshot that beat Oilers’ goaltender Jack Campbell. The goal sent a wave of excitement through the Staples Center, as the Kings seemed to have found an early advantage.

But the Oilers weren’t rattled by the early deficit. Their response came quickly, as they controlled possession for long stretches in the first period, generating quality scoring chances. As the period wore on, Edmonton’s forecheck began to wear down the Kings’ defense, and it was clear that this would be a battle of attrition, with both teams looking for any opening to exploit.

Evander Kane and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Lead the Charge

The Oilers’ response was led by their veteran players, with Evander Kane and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins stepping up to tie the game. In the second period, Edmonton found its rhythm, pushing the tempo and capitalizing on the momentum created by the physicality of the game. Kane, known for his ability to score in crucial moments, put the Oilers on the board with a beautiful wrist shot that beat Kuemper high on the glove side. Kane’s goal tied the game at 1-1, and the momentum began to swing back in Edmonton’s favor.

Kane’s goal was a product of his relentless drive to get to the net, a key feature of his game. He drove the puck toward the crease and fired a quick shot that found its way past the Kings’ goaltender, bringing the Oilers back into the game. Kane’s performance throughout the night was vital, as he not only contributed offensively but also brought a physical edge to his play.

Shortly after Kane’s goal, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins added another goal for the Oilers, giving them a 2-1 lead. Nugent-Hopkins’ goal was a testament to his ability to stay calm under pressure, as he made a quick decision to shoot after a well-executed feed from Connor McDavid. Nugent-Hopkins’ shot snuck past Kuemper, and the Oilers had their first lead of the game.

As the game progressed, it was evident that Edmonton had regained control. The Oilers’ power play continued to be a dangerous weapon, while their penalty kill effectively neutralized the Kings’ opportunities. The Oilers had weathered the early storm from Los Angeles and had now seized the momentum with a one-goal advantage.

Mattias Janmark’s Critical Game-Winner

The pivotal moment of the game came in the third period, with the Kings pressing hard to tie the game and send it into overtime. Edmonton, however, showed the type of urgency and desperation that Coach Jay Woodcroft had been stressing in the days leading up to Game 5.

At the 12:43 mark of the third period, Mattias Janmark found himself in the perfect spot to deliver a dagger to the Kings’ hopes. Janmark, who has been a steady contributor to the Oilers throughout the season, received a perfectly timed pass from Zach Hyman and made no mistake with the opportunity. With a quick release, Janmark fired a shot past Kuemper, sending the Oilers into a 3-1 lead. The goal was crucial, as it allowed Edmonton to play with more confidence for the remainder of the game and sealed the victory.

Janmark’s game-winning goal showcased the depth of the Oilers’ lineup. While stars like McDavid and Leon Draisaitl draw much of the attention, players like Janmark have been instrumental in Edmonton’s success. Janmark, who has often been overshadowed by his teammates, has emerged as a reliable two-way player capable of contributing in key moments. His goal in Game 5 was a perfect example of his ability to step up when called upon, and it provided the Oilers with the cushion they needed to finish the game strong.

Kuemper’s Heroic Effort in a Losing Cause

Despite the Kings’ loss, Darcy Kuemper deserves significant credit for his performance. The Kings’ goaltender was nothing short of exceptional in Game 5, stopping an impressive 43 shots on goal. Kuemper was tested early and often, especially in the second and third periods, as the Oilers peppered him with high-quality scoring chances.

Kuemper’s performance kept the Kings in the game for as long as he could, but the Oilers’ relentless pressure and depth eventually proved to be too much. Though the loss was disappointing for the Kings, Kuemper’s individual effort was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging game for Los Angeles.

The Road Ahead: Can Edmonton Close it Out in Game 6?

With the series now at a 3-2 lead in favor of the Oilers, they are poised to close it out at home on Thursday. The Oilers have been dominant at Rogers Place this season, and they will look to capitalize on their home ice advantage to advance to the next round. Edmonton’s power play, which has been one of the most potent in the league, will be a key factor in the series conclusion. The Kings will need to regroup quickly and find a way to force a Game 7 if they are to extend their playoff hopes.

For the Oilers, the message from Coach Woodcroft will be simple: stay disciplined and execute the game plan that has brought them success throughout the series. They’ll look to continue their strong defensive play and make sure that they don’t let up in the crucial moments. The Oilers have the talent and depth to close this series, but they’ll need to remain focused on the task at hand.

For Los Angeles, the task is clear: they must rally around Kuemper and find ways to break through the Oilers’ defense. Their offense will need to step up, with players like Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe looking to lead the charge. The Kings will need a full-team effort to force a decisive Game 7 and keep their playoff dreams alive.

Game 5 proved to be a statement game for the Edmonton Oilers. The team demonstrated that when they play with urgency and desperation, they can dominate on both ends of the ice. Mattias Janmark’s game-winning goal highlighted the Oilers’ depth and ability to execute when it matters most.

As the series shifts back to Edmonton, the Oilers will be in a strong position to close things out. The Kings, however, are not yet finished, and Game 6 promises to be another thrilling contest. With everything on the line, both teams will give it their all, but it’s clear that the Oilers are ready to capitalize on the opportunity in front of them.

The road to the next round is within reach for Edmonton, and they’ll look to finish the job in front of their home crowd. For the Kings, the fight is far from over, but they will need to dig deep and find a way to rebound if they are to force a Game 7 and continue their playoff run.