THE OILERS ARE HEADING BACK TO EDMONTON WITH A CHANCE TO CLOSE OUT THE SERIES!

The lights of Los Angeles may have been bright, but it was the Edmonton Oilers who lit up the scoreboard and silenced the crowd at Crypto.com Arena. With a gritty, determined 3–1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings in Game 5, the Oilers are now heading home to Edmonton with a golden opportunity — to close out the series on their own ice, in front of a roaring, faithful fan base at Rogers Place.

It’s the kind of playoff scenario every team dreams of: a chance to eliminate a formidable opponent, take control of their postseason destiny, and move one step closer to hockey’s ultimate prize — the Stanley Cup.

Let’s break down how they got here, who stepped up, and why this team is suddenly looking like a serious threat in the 2025 playoffs.

A Must-Win Mentality in Game 5

Going into Game 5, the series was tied at two games apiece. The Kings had clawed their way back in Game 4 with a spirited effort at home, creating questions around whether the Oilers could respond under pressure. The challenge was clear: win Game 5 on the road, or return home down 3–2 with little margin for error.

Coach Kris Knoblauch didn’t need to give a dramatic pregame speech. His team knew the stakes — and they responded with a performance that oozed urgency, discipline, and a refreshing sense of composure.

“We played like a team that knew what was on the line,” Knoblauch said after the game. “That was a nice reminder of how we can play when we’re urgent and desperate.”

First Period: A Shaky Start but Steady Recovery

The Kings struck first, as Andrei Kuzmenko capitalized on a power-play chance just over six minutes into the first period. For a moment, it seemed like momentum might swing toward Los Angeles.

But Edmonton didn’t flinch. Instead, they tightened up defensively, transitioned the puck more cleanly, and began to tilt the ice in their favor. That persistence paid off when Evander Kane buried a wrist shot late in the period, tying the game at 1–1. It was his second goal of the series and a much-needed injection of energy at a key moment.

“We knew they’d come hard early,” Kane said. “We just stayed patient and stuck to our structure. Once we got that first goal, I think it gave everyone confidence.”

Second Period: Edmonton Takes Control

With the game tied entering the second, the Oilers took full command of the pace. Their forecheck became more aggressive, and their puck management tightened. The Kings found themselves pinned in their own zone for long stretches, with Edmonton’s top lines cycling relentlessly.

Midway through the period, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins gave the Oilers the lead with a well-placed shot from the slot after a hard-working shift by Zach Hyman and Connor McDavid. The play began deep in the offensive zone and ended with Nugent-Hopkins roofing a shot over Cam Talbot’s glove.

At 2–1, the Oilers didn’t sit back. They kept pressuring, kept attacking, and most importantly, avoided costly penalties — a weakness that had hurt them earlier in the series.

“We played smart,” said McDavid. “We didn’t give them much. And when we had chances, we buried them.”

Third Period: Janmark Seals the Deal

The defining moment of Game 5 came in the third period, courtesy of Mattias Janmark — a player often overlooked among Edmonton’s constellation of stars. With just under eight minutes remaining, Janmark took a pass from Dylan Holloway, made a slick move to his forehand, and slid the puck through Talbot’s five-hole to give Edmonton a 3–1 lead.

The goal wasn’t just a beauty — it was a backbreaker.

“Janmark’s goal was everything,” said defenseman Darnell Nurse. “He’s a guy who does all the little things right, and tonight he got rewarded.”

The rest of the period was textbook shutdown hockey. The Oilers clogged the neutral zone, forced the Kings into low-percentage shots, and relied on strong goaltending from Stuart Skinner, who finished the game with 29 saves.

Skinner Holds Strong

Though he hasn’t always been the centerpiece of the Oilers’ playoff headlines, Stuart Skinner deserves major credit for keeping Game 5 under control. After allowing an early goal, Skinner settled into a rhythm, making several key stops, including a glove save on Adrian Kempe that kept the score 2–1 midway through the third.

“He was calm, confident, and gave us the saves we needed,” said Knoblauch. “That’s all you can ask from your goalie in a playoff road game.”

Skinner’s ability to manage rebounds and direct traffic was critical, especially during two late Kings power plays. Edmonton’s penalty kill, often maligned during the regular season, stood tall in Game 5 — denying the Kings any serious second-chance opportunities.

Edmonton’s Depth Shines

If there’s one theme that’s emerged in this series, it’s that Edmonton’s depth is more than just a footnote — it’s becoming a major strength. While McDavid and Draisaitl are always dangerous, it’s been the likes of Kane, Janmark, Nugent-Hopkins, and even Holloway who have driven the results when it counts.

The Oilers’ third and fourth lines outperformed their L.A. counterparts in Game 5, winning puck battles, logging critical minutes, and providing physical pushback. Players like Warren Foegele and Derek Ryan were instrumental in clearing the defensive zone and disrupting the Kings’ attempts to sustain pressure.

“It’s not just one or two guys. Everyone is stepping up,” said Draisaitl. “That’s what makes us dangerous.”

Game 6: One Win from Round Two

With a 3–2 series lead, the Oilers now return home to Rogers Place with a chance to close out the series in Game 6. The last time Edmonton had a closeout game on home ice was in 2022, when they eliminated Calgary in the second round. This one carries similar weight — an opportunity to send a message to the league that this Oilers team has learned how to finish.

There will be no room for complacency. The Kings are a veteran group with playoff experience, and they’ve shown resilience throughout this series. But the momentum is now firmly in Edmonton’s corner.

“You can feel it — the energy, the confidence,” said Hyman. “But we haven’t done anything yet. Game 6 is going to be a war.”

Key Factors Heading into Game 6

As Thursday approaches, several storylines loom large:

• Can Edmonton maintain discipline? The Kings’ power play can be lethal when given time and space. Avoiding unnecessary penalties will be key.
• Will L.A. change goaltenders? Talbot has been steady but not spectacular. There’s some speculation that the Kings could turn to David Rittich if they need a spark.
• Can the Oilers’ bottom six keep producing? If players like Janmark and Holloway continue to contribute, Edmonton becomes exponentially harder to defend.
• Is Skinner ready to steal a game if needed? He hasn’t had to yet — but closeout games often come down to goaltending, and Skinner will need to be ready for L.A.’s best push.

The City of Edmonton Holds Its Breath

Fans in Edmonton know this feeling well — the tension, the hope, the electric energy of a possible series win. Tickets for Game 6 sold out within minutes. The Oilers faithful will turn Rogers Place into a madhouse, and the players are embracing the moment.

“We’ve earned the right to play for it at home,” McDavid said. “Now it’s time to finish the job.”

The Oilers are 60 minutes away from punching their ticket to the second round. They’ve shown they can dominate. Now, they must prove they can close.

The Oilers didn’t just win Game 5 — they made a statement. A statement that they can play mature, complete playoff hockey. A statement that they can win big games on the road. And a statement that they’re no longer just a high-flying offensive team, but a battle-tested contender.

The series isn’t over yet. But Edmonton has taken control of its destiny. And with the home crowd behind them on Thursday, the stage is set for a defining moment in this team’s journey.