Welcome back to another NHL Predictions (Playoffs Edition). Each day, our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Los Angeles Kings taking on the Edmonton Oilers. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Series: Kings 2 – 3 Oilers
Time: 10:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: ESPN, CBC, SN, TVAS2, FDSNW
After storming back to even the series at two apiece, the Edmonton Oilers took their first series lead in Game 5 with a gritty 3–1 win at home. Calvin Pickard once again held the fort, stopping 21 of 22 shots, while Mattias Janmark broke the third-period deadlock to give Edmonton control. The Kings, meanwhile, are now staring down elimination in hostile territory and will need their stars to step up if they want to avoid a fourth straight first-round loss to the Oilers.
After winning the first two games of the series with six goals apiece, Los Angeles has gone cold, managing just one goal in Game 5. Andrei Kuzmenko provided the lone tally, but L.A.’s top guns—including Kevin Fiala and Anze Kopitar—have gone quiet at the worst time. Darcy Kuemper gave them a chance in Game 5 with 43 saves, but the team was outshot 46–22 and rarely generated high-danger chances. To extend the series, the Kings must clean up their exits and avoid getting hemmed in, especially during the third period. Returning to a more structured defensive approach—and rediscovering a spark on the power play—are musts if they hope to steal one in Edmonton.
Edmonton has flipped the series on its head with three consecutive wins powered by improved defending and timely goals. Leon Draisaitl continues to dominate, adding an assist in Game 5 to reach 10 points in the series. Connor McDavid chipped in his usual playmaking brilliance, while Evan Bouchard logged another 26+ minute night, anchoring the back end. But perhaps the biggest story has been Pickard in net—stepping in for Stuart Skinner, he’s posted a .915 save percentage since Game 4. The Oilers have also suffocated the Kings in the third period, outscoring them 8–0 over the last three games. Now back at Rogers Place, they’ll aim to close it out in front of their home crowd.
Prediction: Kings win 4–2
We round out NHL Predictions with some prop bets of the night. The last game was rough for prop bets. Looking to get back on track here. We’re gonna back our prediction and suggest Kings moneyline (+136). The Kings offense is going when Adrian Kempe is going, so consider his anytime goal (+170). Anze Kopitar isn’t going to let his team go quietly. Take a look at his 2+ points line (+350). (Postseason record: 9-7)
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Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
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