NHL Playoff Preview: Oilers vs Kings Series Odds & Schedule 2025
The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings meet in the first round of NHL playoffs for the fourth consecutive year, with Game 1 starting Monday, April 21, 2025. The Oilers, despite starting on the road, are -135 favorites to advance past the Kings.
NHL players battling on ice
The Kings finished second in the Pacific Division (earning home-ice advantage), while Edmonton placed third with a 48-29-5 record. Los Angeles won three of four regular-season matchups, including two shutouts in April.
Key Team Stats:
- Oilers: 11th in scoring, 14th in goals against
- Kings: 13th in scoring, 2nd in goals against
- Edmonton's Connor McDavid: 100 points despite missing 15 games
- LA's Darcy Kuemper: .922 save percentage, 2.02 GAA (2nd among goalies with 50+ starts)
Injury Concerns:
- Oilers: Mattias Ekholm out, McDavid and Draisaitl not 100%
- Kings: Drew Doughty returned from ankle injury, Tanner Jeannot week-to-week
The Kings hold several advantages:
- Home ice advantage
- Superior goaltending
- Better team health
- Strong regular season record vs Edmonton
Head-to-Head Stats:
- Goals For: Edmonton 3.43 vs LA 3.21
- Goals Against: LA 2.45 vs Edmonton 3.12
- Power Play: Edmonton 24.2% vs LA 21.8%
- Penalty Kill: LA 84.1% vs Edmonton 81.2%
Despite Edmonton's historical success against LA in playoffs, the Kings' improved performance, home-ice advantage, and superior goaltending make them an attractive pick at +115 to win the series.
Prediction: Kings to win series (+115)