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CTV News
25-05-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
From scorer to bruiser, Oilers' Hyman making a different mark in the NHL playoffs
Edmonton Oilers left wing Zach Hyman, left, puts Kings defenceman Drew Doughty into the boards during the first period in Game 5 of an NHL first-round playoff series on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Newsweek
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
How to Watch Oilers vs Kings: Live Stream NHL Playoffs, TV Channel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Edmonton Oilers will face the Los Angeles Kings in this NHL Playoff matchup on Monday at Arena. Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers skates the puck against Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings in the third period at Arena on February 10, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers skates the puck against Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings in the third period at Arena on February 10, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Ronald Martinez How to Watch Oilers vs Kings: Date: Monday, April 21, 2025 Time: 10:00 PM ET Channel: ESPN2 Stream: FuboTV (TRY FOR FREE) This is the first game of a best-of-seven series between these Stanley Cup hopeful teams. The Oilers enter the postseason with a 48-29-5 record, securing the third playoff spot in the Pacific Division. The Kings finished with a 48-25-9 record, edging out Edmonton for second place in the division, giving Los Angeles home ice advantage in the series opener. The Kings are looking to end their postseason nightmare, which has seen the Oilers knock them out in the first round for three straight years. Losing in the first round is one thing, but when it comes against a division rival that many seasons consecutively, it has to hurt that much more. This time around, they had the better regular season, and they are hopeful that playing at home will give them the edge. The Oilers are led by two of the best offensive players in the NHL in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. McDavid finished off a fifth consecutive 100-point season and eighth overall during his Hall of Fame-caliber career. Draisaitl led the league in goals this year with 52 and recorded his fourth consecutive 100-plus point season. This is a great NHL Playoff matchup that will not disappoint; make sure to tune in and catch all the action. Live stream Oilers vs Kings with FuboTV: Start your subscription now! This game can be streamed on ESPN2 with a one-month free subscription to FuboTV. Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
New York Times
21-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Kings have their best chance in years to finally get past the Oilers in Round 1
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — It is time. It has been time. Monday night is the true beginning for the Los Angeles Kings. Fair or not, what the Kings have done to this point of the season doesn't matter a whole lot. It isn't that seven months and 82 games should be ignored. They've done a lot to this point; more than, I suspect, a fair number imagined. Including myself. Advertisement The Kings have responded to a third straight first-round loss to the Edmonton Oilers — this one in just five games and more decisive than the other two — with a 2024-25 season where they tied franchise bests of 48 victories and 105 points. If their destination was the mushy middle, that place where you're too good to be bad but not nearly good enough to be great, well … they rerouted and jumped on the ramp to Stanley Cup Highway. Now it's a question of whether they'll blow a tire or run out of fuel — or, gasp, go the distance. Let's not jump ahead of ourselves. It takes 16 wins, and the Kings have struggled to grab four since winning it all in 2014. Five playoff series since then and just seven wins total. One fewer win in each of the last three postseasons. May hockey in downtown L.A. has trended toward becoming extinct. Of course, there was a major retool for three years around pillars Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty, the only two other than Trevor Lewis (who returned in 2023) from the championship era. But from controlling Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) to team president Luc Robitaille to general manager Rob Blake, there clearly wasn't an interest in stripping the franchise to the studs and asking the fan base to endure many losing seasons. The rosters have reflected that approach ever since the King signed Phillip Danault to a seven-year deal in 2022. Through trial and error, the Kings arrive at an upcoming Game 1 with their best chance to beat the Oilers in years. This is the deepest club out of the four to cut down the two-headed dragon that is Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. And this looks like the most vulnerable Oilers club they'll face yet in this annual confrontation. It was meant to be. And that may be the best thing for the Kings. 'That's just kind of how it went that we felt in playing them again,' Quinton Byfield said. 'Obviously if you want to make it all the way, you got to beat them at some point. It's good that it's the first round. We got to get this over with.' Advertisement Not everyone went with this concept, that conquering their running quandary with the Oilers carries more meaning than trying to break out of the first round against another club in the Western Conference. 'I'm glad we're in,' Kings coach Jim Hiller said. 'I'm glad we're in, and I'm glad we got a chance to break through anybody. We haven't broke through for a while. It's time for us. I don't think it carries any special weight that it's the Oilers or it was Vegas or somebody else. This is about us and we want to push through.' Even Doughty, who's long been as outspoken as anyone on the Kings, said, 'It doesn't really matter. Yeah, another shot at them is great. They're a great team. Got some great, amazing players. It's going to be a challenge.' 'Yeah, it didn't matter who it was,' Doughty continued. 'It's playoffs. You got to beat everyone if you want the ultimate goal, so it didn't matter.' Hype it up. Downplay it. Whatever view you take, the Kings have a hurdle to clear that becomes more mental with each series loss to Edmonton. And that could be just what they need to put together a real playoff run. The Kings have momentum on their side with a regular-season finish that had them win 17 of their final 22 games. They've got health on their side with only Tanner Jeannot unavailable, though it's possible the physical fourth-line grinder could become an option at some point in the playoffs. And they've got a depth-driven lineup that now has more sources of offense. The deadline addition of Andrei Kuzmenko has worked wonders. Kuzmenko has five goals and 12 assists in his 22 games with the Kings, which are good numbers on their own but made more impressive by his going his first seven games without a point. Even when it took him a bit to get on the scoresheet, Kuzmenko's creativity immediately meshed with Kopitar and Adrian Kempe on the top line. His right-hand shot has been what they needed on the power play. It clicked at 23.9 percent with him after being 15 percent without. Advertisement Some of it can be pure coincidence, but the Kings' finishing kick came once Kuzmenko was in the fold. He isn't the only reason why their offensive output has jumped from 2.80 goals per game to 3.68, but being able to stop the turnstile of wingers that played with Kopitar and Kempe further solidified their lines. The Kings are now set with that grouping and can come back with Byfield centering Kevin Fiala and Alex Laferriere, followed by a pure forechecking, puck-hounding trio of Danault centering Warren Foegele and Moore. And with Byfield now earning some defensive assignments against the opposition's top lines, Hiller can feel comfortable deploying him, Danault or Kopitar against McDavid and Draisaitl in these critical center matchups. Goals must come from throughout their lineup, but the Fiala-Byfield-Laferriere line has emerged as one that can drive play and produce. When it comes to the postseason, these three have something to prove and they're pivotal to the Kings' chances. Fiala's blazing second half ended with a career-high 35 goals, which tied Kempe for the team lead. And the Kings showed in meetings where they were victorious that they could hang with the Oilers in five-on-five play. That must continue. Keeping their trips to the penalty box to a minimum and not letting the Oilers feast on the power play is paramount. McDavid and Draisaitl destroyed the Kings' penalty kill in last spring's five-game triumph that became the first stop on their run to the Cup Final. But the Kings do have reason to feel bullish about flipping the script. The Oilers are limping into this matchup. Both McDavid and Draisaitl missed several games down the stretch with injuries and while they'll be good to go for Game 1, they're not likely to be operating in perfect health. Mattias Ekholm won't be on their blue line for the series and that's a massive loss in their defense. Run through the rest of their roster and there's more that are banged up. They've been able to rest Zach Hyman and Jake Walman but forwards Trent Frederic and Evander Kane — who hasn't played all season and has dealt with multiple muscle tears that required surgery — are questionable to start. Factor in that the team's depth players are older after losing Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg to the St. Louis Blues and that the Kings start with Games 1 and 2 at home, and they've become a popular pick to end their first-round drought. But that means the Kings also have a lot to prove. They might have racked up 31 home wins to set a new franchise record but that won't mean anything if the Oilers come into Arena and take one or both of the two games. The Kings need to build momentum and holding serve will go a long way toward that. Across the three series, Edmonton has won six of the eight meetings playing in Los Angeles. That's got to change. Advertisement But there exists a confidence among the Kings that wasn't as fervent a year ago. Having playoff-hardened veterans like Foegele, defenseman Joel Edmundson and goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who have either played for the Stanley Cup or hoisted the trophy, gives them reason to think they'll better handle the roller-coaster moments. 'I believe in our roster,' Moore said. 'You look at our (defense). Pretty heavy. Physical. And then we have a lot of depth up front, which I think makes it hard for any team.' And they're simply a better team. This is the best Kings club of the four thrown at the Oilers. They've got to show it, starting Monday night. 'Once you don't win for so long, you start doubting yourself,' Doughty said. 'Doubting a lot of things you do. It's not that I'm doubting myself right now, but there are times I was going through where I was and that's not like me to do that. 'Yeah, we need to win.' It's time. If not now, will it ever be? (Top photo of Anze Kopitar and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins: Robert Hanashiro / Imagn Images)
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kings Defeat the Seattle Kraken in 6-5 Penultimate Showdown
© Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images Los Angeles, CA - The Los Angeles Kings (47-24-9) face the Seattle Kraken (35-40-6) in a season series winner-take-all match at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA on Tuesday, April 15. The last time the LA Kings played the Kraken on home ice, they were shocked with a 2-1 loss on Monday, April 7. With the Las Vegas Golden Knights clinching the Pacific Division, the Kings play these games with the intent to maintain their second place standing which affects seeding for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Advertisement Notably, many of the Kings' best stars including defenseman Drew Doughty, defenseman Mikey Anderson, center Anze Kopitar, right wing Quinton Byfield, and defenseman Joel Edmundson are out in order to rest them with the playoffs right around the corner. FIRST PERIOD Los Angeles have deployed the B-squad to face the Kraken tonight, with goaltender David Rittich starting for the Kings. The first period begins with the Kings' B squad and the Kraken vying for control of the puck. x - LA Kings (@LAKings) on X x - LA Kings (@LAKings) on X Go time in the Emerald City! 🏙️ @SimonLawGroup | #GoKingsGo LA commits the first penalty of the night - defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov with a hooking penalty. Seattle begin the first period with a free power play against the B-squad. The Kraken make no use of the power play, but neither team has much offensive momentum at the moment. Advertisement As the former half of the first period comes around, both teams play relatively clean hockey and Seattle surprisingly has made an impressive amount of shots at the Los Angeles net -- 11 shots compared to the Kings' 3 shots. So far, neither team has broken through, despite some excellent stick play by both teams. AS I SPEAK, THE RINK HAS WOKEN UP AS KINGS CENTER SAMUEL HELENIUS, WITH THE ASSIST BY GAVRIKOV TO REDEEM HIMSELF, 1-0 Los Angeles has jolted their offensive momentum during this first period, even with many bench players getting to shine on the hockey rink tonight. Meanwhile, Seattle commits their first penalty --- tripping against LA King left wing Trevor Moore ---, granting the Kings their first power play. Advertisement AS I WRITE THAT, ALEX TURCOTTE TIPS IN ANOTHER GOAL FOR THE KINGS, WITH LEFT WING KEVIN FIALA AND RIGHT WING ADRIAN KEMPE SCORING A POWER PLAY GOAL, 2-0 The Kings' B-squad so far during the first period has kept the same offensive prowess the team is known for, peaking at the right time as the Stanley Cup Playoffs round the corner. SECOND PERIOD The second period starts and so far both teams vie for control of the puck. Kraken defenseman Vince Mann has been penalized orignally for slashing left wing Andrei Kuzmenko, but now he has been docked another penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct against the Kings' B-squad players, granting LA a power play. Advertisement The Kings get nothing out of their second power play. As the period progresses, Seattle has gotten fairly aggressive in their shots. Kraken left wing Tye Kartye scores the first goal for his team with his own unassisted "I'm the man" shot into the LA net to keep the Kraken within one score, 2-1. Los Angeles defenseman Kyle Burroughs commits the second penalty -- high sticking ---, granting the Kraken another power play. Ultimately, the Kraken are unable to break through the Kings' defense, which burned time off the clock despite the Kraken's brazen amount of shots to the LA net. Now, the Kings are giving away power plays left and right, as center Phillip Danault get penalized for tripping. As a result, Seattle defenseman Brandon Montour scores another goal for the Kraken, tying the game 2-2 . Advertisement So far in the second period, both goals made by Seattle were capitalized on through power plays and mistakes made by the Kings' B-squad. At the 7:00 minute mark, the Kraken have also outhit the Kings 21-8, despite the Kings not being afraid to put some hits onto the Seattle roster on ice. Adrian Kempe has now made history for himself, scoring 400 points throughout his National Hockey League career. AND WITH THAT IN MIND, KINGS LEFT WING WARREN FOEGELE SCORES ANOTHER GOAL FOR THE KINGS WITH A BACKHAND SHOT TO PUT THEM AHEAD AGAIN, 3-2 OH MY, NOW THE KINGS HAVE GONE BACK-TO-BACK WITH RIGHT WING ALEX LAFERRIERE HITTING A SNAP SHOT TO EXTEND THE KINGS' LEAD, 4-2 Los Angeles have redeemed themselves this second period with their offensive bounce back, but the penalties they have made which at one point kept the Kraken in the game linger. Advertisement THIRD PERIOD The third period starts with the Kraken winning the faceoff against the Kings, as they hope to stave off the Kraken offense. THEY START THE THIRD PERIOD WITH A WRIST SHOT DAGGER BY KEMPE ASSISTED BY KUZMENKO AND TURCOTTE, THIS GAME IS 5-2 LOS ANGELES ARE NOW MAKING A STATEMENT AGAINST SEATTLE, WITH HELENIUS LANDING A WRIST SHOT INTO THE KRAKEN NET FOR HIS SECOND GOAL OF THE NIGHT, MAKING IT 6-2 While the Kings get excited about their consecutive goals, Kraken center Jaden Schwartz connects a wrist shot into the LA Kings net to make it a 6-3 score. So far in this first half of the third period, both teams have gotten to work offensively, while at the same time not giving up any penalties. Advertisement As the latter half of the final period comes around, Phillip Danault commits a tripping penalty against a Seattle player, granting them another power play. Less than 30 seconds after the power play is initiated, Kraken center Matty Beniers tips in a goal, keeping Seattle within two goals, 6-4 . Near the very end of the period, Kings' Helenius commits another penalty --- hooking ---, giving the Kraken yet another power play to capitalize on. Kraken right wing Eeli Tolvanen smacks a snap shot into the Kings net once more to keep his team within one goal, 6-5. This Kraken team simply does not quit, and the Kings have given them so many opportunities to score. It was close, but the Kings prevailed in the end in a 6-5 victory against the Seattle Kraken. These teams end the regular season going even against each other, winning two games apiece. Advertisement While the match probably would not have been as close without the various penalties and miscues by the Kings B-squad tonight, if anything this victory should renew confidence in how deep the bench and roster as a whole is going into the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Kings will play their final regular season game, ending it at home against the Calgary Flames on Thursday, April 17.
Yahoo
13-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The Wraparound: Is This The Year The Kings Eliminate The Oilers?
The Wraparound: Is This The Year The Kings Eliminate The Oilers? Connor Brown and Drew Doughty (Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images) Welcome to a new episode of The Hockey News Wraparound Show, featuring rapid-fire topics after a historic weekend in the NHL. Is This The Year The Kings Eliminate The Oilers? by The Wraparound Is This The Year The Kings Eliminate The Oilers? by The Wraparound undefined Advertisement Here's what Emma Lingan and Michael Augello discussed in this episode: 0:00: Is Alex Ovechkin's all-time NHL goals record one of the most impressive feats in professional sports? 6:58: Could Nick Suzuki be one of the top centers in the NHL in the near future? 9:30: Does Nick Roberston deserve a spot in the Toronto Maple Leafs' playoff lineup? 11:32: What is the Nashville Predators' biggest need at the NHL draft? 15:28: Will Brock Nelson stick with the Colorado Avalanche beyond this season? 17:48: Should the Florida Panthers be resting players already? 19:52: Could this be the year that the Los Angeles Kings take down the Edmonton Oilers? Advertisement 22:01: Have the St. Louis Blues shifted from being a feel-good story to a playoff threat? 24:30: Could Cale Makar end up hitting 100 points next season? 26:26: Should people think differently about the Buffalo Sabres' future after the team's hot streak at the end of the season? 29:34: Could we see Mitch Marner stick with the Toronto Maple Leafs long-term like Vladimir Guerrero Jr.? See below for where to subscribe to the show for future episodes. Apple Podcasts Spotify Podbean iHeartRadio Amazon
