In Los Angeles, an impressive performance by the Kings saw Adrian Kempe shine with two goals and two assists in the third period, complemented by team captain Anze Kopitar, who also contributed a goal and three assists. This outstanding display led to a commanding 6-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night, gaining a 2-0 lead in their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series.
Quinton Byfield and Andrei Kuzmenko each netted goals for the second consecutive game, with Brandt Clarke scoring his first playoff goal, kicking off an exceptional showing for the second-seeded Los Angeles squad. The Kings initially allowed a four-goal lead to slip in Game 1 but managed to secure the win. In Game 2, they let a three-goal lead narrow to 3-2 in the early moments of the third period before regaining momentum to score three goals within five minutes, forcing the substitution of Edmonton’s starting goalie.
“We played really well,” stated Kings coach Jim Hiller. “Tonight, we seized our opportunities effectively, and our gameplay was solid both offensively and defensively.”
Facing each other in the first round for the fourth consecutive year, the Kings entered this matchup with the home-ice advantage for the first time. They have exerted dominance in the two games played on their home turf, where they held the NHL’s top home record during the regular season, scoring a total of 12 goals with outstanding performance from their power play, which had struggled previously.
“We fought hard to gain home ice and made sure to capitalize on it,” said Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson. “We’re pleased with our start, but now it’s about moving on to the next game. It’s a good beginning.”
Game 3 is set for Friday night in Edmonton. Despite efforts from Oilers’ Leon Draisaitl and Viktor Arvidsson, Edmonton could not mask their defensive woes, even as former MVP Connor McDavid was kept off the score sheet.
“They have a strong home presence and confidence, and we know we can improve,” commented Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch. “Special teams and overall gameplay need to elevate. This team has overcome greater challenges, and while it’s not the best scenario, there’s no resignation or panic from us.”
Los Angeles goaltender Darcy Kuemper made 24 saves in support of his team. Kuzmenko’s rebounded goal bolstered a 3-0 lead midway through the second period.
The Oilers managed their first goal following a slick assist from John Klingberg to Draisaitl. Arvidsson later managed to further close the gap against his previous team, but Kempe soon retaliated with another goal courtesy of a setup by Kopitar, before Kopitar himself found the net with a third power-play goal, further solidifying Los Angeles’ lead. Calvin Pickard was brought in to replace Stuart Skinner, but it was Kempe once more who rounded off the scoring.