Oilers Aim to Even Series Against Kings in Game 5 Showdown

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers prepare for a pivotal Game 5 in their Western Conference First Round playoff series, tied 2-2, at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET.

Both teams continue to vie for a momentum shift as they step onto the ice, with Los Angeles aiming to capitalize on their home-ice advantage. “Coming back home where we’re comfortable and confident is where we want to be,” said Kings forward Quinton Byfield on Tuesday. “We’re excited and we’re just going to take it a game at a time.”

The Kings have experienced solid success at home this season, compiling a stellar 31-6-4 record during the regular season. However, they dropped both contests in Edmonton, including a heart-wrenching 4-3 overtime loss in Game 4.

Conversely, the Oilers have relied heavily on forward Leon Draisaitl, who maintains an impressive 18-game point streak against the Kings in playoff encounters. He currently leads the series with nine points in four games.

Oil Coach Kris Knoblauch stressed the need for a strong start. “We have to win at least one game here, and ideally, it would be Game 5,” he remarked. “It’s important for us to play with the same desperation and hunger we have played with when we were trailing.”

Statistically, teams that win Game 5 of a tied best-of-7 series have historically triumphed 79.2 percent of the time. The pressure mounts as both teams recognize the implications of this critical matchup.

Edmonton’s performance at Los Angeles has not been met with consistent success, holding a 6-4 playoff record over the past four years. The Oilers will look to break that trend and assert themselves with relentless tenacity.

The Kings’ coach, Jim Hiller, stated the team will maintain their focus and strategy entering Game 5. “We just have to use that to our advantage and start the way that we’ve been doing and just keep that for the full 60 (minutes),” he noted, referencing their preparations and expectations.

As eyes turn towards the ice, the stakes elevate and the scoreboard remains the battleground for these two competitive squads.