LOS ANGELES -- The Stanley Cup Playoffs are set, and for the fourth straight year, the Los Angeles Kings will meet the Edmonton Oilers in the first round. Edmonton has eliminated L.A. in each of the past three matchups, but for the first time in this budding postseason rivalry, the Kings will hold home-ice advantage—and that could make all the difference.
No playoff team shows a sharper home-road contrast than the Los Angeles Kings. At Crypto.com Arena, they’ve been dominant—posting a 31-5-4 record and leading the NHL with a .825 home points percentage. But on the road, it’s been a different story. Their 17-19-5 record away from home ranks near the bottom among playoff qualifiers.
For a team that thrives on methodical, systematic play—built around controlled zone entries, puck movement, and disciplined positioning—the ability to dictate matchups and minimize mistakes is crucial. Starting a playoff series at home for the first time since 2016 is a distinct advantage, providing the Kings with the perfect environment to impose their style and gain an early edge.
And there’s more to trust in the Kings than just home-ice advantage. This might be the best Kings team in recent memory. With one game left in the regular season, they’ve already tied franchise records with 48 wins and 105 points. One more win or a single point in their final game would make this the most successful regular season in team history—a testament to their consistency and depth.
The Kings are anchored by veteran goalie Darcy Kuemper, a Stanley Cup champion who ranks second in the league in goals-against average (2.02), third in save percentage (.922), and third in shutouts (5) this season. They’re also backed by a stout defense led by veteran Drew Doughty, with the unit ranking second in the NHL in goals against per game at 2.44.
Still, the Kings face a formidable challenge in the Edmonton Oilers.
The Oilers are loaded with offensive firepower. Leon Draisaitl led the NHL with 52 goals this season and finished tied for third in points with 106. Not far behind is the electrifying Connor McDavid, who ranked sixth in points with 99 and tied for third in assists with 73. When healthy, this dynamic duo can change a game with a single flick of the wrist.
Despite dealing with injuries and inconsistent play all season, Edmonton remains a dangerous team. The Oilers came within one win of capturing the Stanley Cup last spring—and their experience, coupled with the motivation to finish the job this time, could be enough to overcome their current setbacks.
“We’re a great team here. We’ve had our bumps and bruises, but we’re dangerous when we’re rolling and healthy,” Connor McDavid said in a recent interview. The Oilers expect most of their core players to be ready for Game 1, though the full injury report will be revealed closer to puck drop.
On paper, the teams are nearly identical. The Oilers average 3.16 goals per game, just ahead of the Kings' 3.06. Defensively, L.A. holds the edge, allowing only 2.44 goals per game, compared to Edmonton's 2.90.
While neither team is favored to win the West, oddsmakers give the edge to Edmonton—listed at +450 (DraftKings), +550 (ESPN BET), and +550 (FanDuel). The Kings trail at +900 (DraftKings and FanDuel) and +1000 (ESPN BET). Despite the odds, the Kings’ superior defense, a red-hot goaltender, and home-ice advantage make them a serious threat. They may not have the marquee names of McDavid and Draisaitl, but they’re built to compete this postseason.
Everything begins at home. Whether it ends there—we’re about to find out.
