Kings Can't Afford to Let Another Series Slip Away

Zero. Zip. Nada. Zilch. That’s how many power play goals the Los Angeles Kings scored in losing to Edmonton in their five-game playoff series last year. This year? They have scored seven times with the man-advantage in just three games. Their 58.3% on the power play leads all 16 NHL playoff teams and it’s not even close. 

If we look back at the six-game series between these same clubs from 2022-23, LA has already matched the number of power play goals from that series in just half the games this time around.  In the 2021-22 series that went seven games, the Kings scored just three power play goals. To say that LA’s power play is clicking right now in this series would be the understatement of the year. 

Simply put, this is LA’s best opportunity to finally change their playoff narrative. This is the best position they have been in to extricate themselves from this three-year long Edmonton chokehold, but they have to capitalize on it. Now. After giving up the lead with just over six minutes left to play in Game 3, the Kings cracked upon the door for the Oilers, reminiscent of 2022’s Game 6 when LA had a chance to close out Edmonton at home but faltered. 

Heading into Game 4, the Kings have another shot to put the Oilers in a serious hole, but they have to take it. LA has everything it needs to win a playoff series for the first time since 2014, but they have to seize it this time. This is no longer the dump and chase Kings, struggling to hold onto a one-goal lead at all costs. They are much more dynamic off the rush now and have five 20+ goal scorers on their roster, one more than the Oilers. 

Despite all that McDavid and Draisaitl bring to the table, this Edmonton squad is beatable. They do not have the depth scoring of years past and the question marks surrounding their defense and goaltending are as big as ever. 

This is your year, LA. Step up and take it.

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