Adrian Kempe leads the LA Kings'
offensive spree in a 6-2 win over Oilers for a 2-0 series lead
[April 24, 2025]
By GREG BEACHAM
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Adrian Kempe had two third-period goals and two
assists, captain Anze Kopitar added a goal and three assists, and
the Los Angeles Kings routed the Edmonton Oilers 6-2 on Wednesday
night to seize a 2-0 lead in their first-round Stanley Cup playoff
series.
Quinton Byfield and Andrei Kuzmenko scored for the second straight
game, and Brandt Clarke had his first playoff goal to begin an
overwhelming performance by second-seeded Los Angeles.
The Kings blew a four-goal lead before winning Game 1, and they let
a three-goal lead slip to 3-2 early in the third period of Game 2
before seizing control with three goals in less than five minutes
while chasing goalie Stuart Skinner.
“We've played really well," Kings coach Jim Hiller said. "Tonight,
we had some shots alone with the goaltender, and we beat him. We're
just playing good, solid hockey offensively and defensively. Both
parts are there.”
These Pacific Division rivals are meeting in the first round for the
fourth straight year, but the Kings had home-ice advantage for the
first time. They've largely dominated two games in the building
where they had the NHL’s best home record, scoring 12 goals —
including five by their revitalized power play, which was the worst
among playoff teams in the regular season.
“We got home ice, battled hard for it, and we wanted to take
advantage,” Kings defenseman Mikey Anderson said. “We're happy so
far. We've taken the two. You come to the rink tomorrow and focus on
the next game. But so far, it's been a good start.”
Game 3 is Friday night in Edmonton.
Leon Draisaitl and Viktor Arvidsson scored for the Oilers, but the
defending Western Conference champions' endemic defensive struggles
couldn’t be covered up by the brilliance of Draisaitl and Connor
McDavid, who was held scoreless.
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Los Angeles Kings right wing Quinton Byfield celebrates his goal as
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse skates away during the
second period in Game 2 of an NHL hockey first-round playoff series
Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J.
Terrill)
“They’re very hungry with a lot of belief, and
they’re playing well at home,” Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said. “We
can play better. Special teams is the biggest part of it, (but)
everywhere we can step up our game. ... We’ve seen this team face
difficult situations, a lot more difficult than it is right now.
There’s no quit in this group. It’s certainly not an ideal
situation, but we certainly won’t panic.”
Darcy Kuemper made 24 saves for the Kings.
Los Angeles went up 3-0 midway through the second when Kuzmenko
added to his extraordinary start with the Kings by smacking home a
rebound.
Edmonton finally got on the board when Draisaitl redirected a nifty
pass from John Klingberg.
Arvidsson scored against his former team with 15:55 to play to
tighten it up, but Kempe answered moments later on a pass from
Kopitar, who added LA's third power-play goal shortly afterward.
Calvin Pickard replaced Skinner, but Kempe scored again.
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