The April 5, 2025 showdown between the Edmonton Oilers and the Los Angeles Kings at Crypto.com Arena is more than just a late-season Pacific Division clash — it’s a collision between two teams with postseason aspirations and something to prove. Both squads are entrenched in the top half of the Western Conference, and with playoff seeding hanging in the balance, this game promises the kind of playoff-intensity hockey that fans live for. The Oilers come in with a 41-25 record, leaning heavily on their high-octane offense and superstar firepower, while the Kings, at 40-21-9, have surged through the latter half of the season with disciplined defense, depth scoring, and one of the stingiest penalty-killing units in the NHL. It’s a stylistic clash — the fast-paced, risk-taking Oilers against the calculated, methodical Kings — and the outcome may come down to which team sticks to their identity under pressure. Their last meeting in January ended in an Edmonton win, but these matchups have historically gone back and forth. With both teams in playoff form and every point crucial, this game sets up as a measuring stick moment heading into the postseason. Edmonton enters this matchup with a reputation that precedes them: elite offense, questionable defense. The Oilers are putting up 3.3 goals per game — one of the best marks in the NHL — and with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl driving the attack, it’s no surprise.

Their power play continues to hum at 25%, punishing any team that gives them too many opportunities. But their success on the scoresheet doesn’t always translate into dominance on the ice, because the defensive side of their game is a work in progress. They’re giving up 2.89 goals per game, which isn’t disastrous, but their 74.05% penalty kill makes them vulnerable — especially against well-structured teams like the Kings. Edmonton has struggled to cover the spread in recent outings, going just 2-6 ATS over their last eight, suggesting they’ve had trouble pulling away even in wins. However, they’ve also been strong on the road lately, with five wins in their last seven away games, showing they can elevate their game outside Rogers Place. To win this one, the Oilers will need to resist the urge to trade chances and instead play disciplined, structured hockey — a tall order for a team that often relies on sheer offensive talent to get by. The Kings, on the other hand, are all about control. Their 3.02 goals per game may not jump off the page, but paired with a defense that allows just 2.45, they’ve built a winning formula. They’ve gone 9-1 in their last ten, a stretch that speaks to their ability to grind out wins and capitalize on opponent mistakes. Their penalty kill is among the NHL’s elite at 85.71%, and they’ve found scoring up and down the lineup, giving them the kind of depth that can expose teams like Edmonton who lean heavily on their stars. At home, the Kings have been dominant, and they’ll look to use their structured forecheck and tight defensive zone coverage to frustrate McDavid and company. The key for LA will be staying out of the box and forcing Edmonton to play at 5-on-5, where their defensive edge gives them the advantage. With both teams desperate to lock down playoff position, expect a playoff-caliber battle with momentum, discipline, and special teams looming large.