The Kings of Los Angeles hope that the fourth time will be the right one when they measure themselves at the EDMONTON Oilers in the first round of the 2025 qualifying series in the western association.
Los Angeles and Edmonton compete in the first round of the series for the fourth year in a row. The oilers won the three previous duels, but this time, the Kings have the advantage of the ice and they believe they have enough talent to cross this first round for the first time since their conquest of the Stanley Cup in 2014.
“The series are approaching and we are confident because we have the advantage of the ice rink,” said Kings Adrian Kempe striker. “We think we are training a better team than in the past. During our previous clashes, the first year, I think we were better than them and we should have won. Everyone is confident at the moment, and we are convinced to be better than in recent years. »»
The Oilers won their four seven series against the Kings in five games last year to then reach the Stanley Cup final. Edmonton had won in six games in 2023 and had filled a deficit of 3-2 to win in seven games in 2022.
“In the current context, everyone is confident in our group,” said Kings Mikey Anderson defender. “We have newcomers who brought us a lot, both on the ice and in the locker room. Our group is very united. In fact, I have never seen it so united since I was here, so it’s nice. The guys like to play together. Obviously, this is an exciting period and the guys overflow with confidence. »»
Few surprises await each of the two teams. Edmonton is counting on two of the best NHL attackers in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, while Los Angeles offers a more balanced alignment.
The oilers have been struck by a series of injuries in the last six weeks of the regular season. McDavid and Draisaitl were among the affected players. However, the Oilers expect the majority of the injured to be back for the start of the playoffs, except defender Mattias Ekholm who will have to skip the first round due to an injury whose nature was not revealed on April 11.
Strong Trent Frederic, acquired on March 4 by the Boston Bruins Oilers as part of a three -team transaction also involving the new Jersey Devils, is inconvenienced by an ankle sprain and he could miss the first games in the series. Attacker Evander Kane missed the whole regular season after undergoing an operation to treat a sports hernia and due to a knee injury. However, he could return to the game during the series.
“People believe that we are very bitten, but we are fine,” said McDavid. Everyone will be ready to play. Everyone does everything they can. I do not like this idea that we would be in pitiful condition. We are ready. »»
Although they finished behind the Kings in the classification of the Pacific Section for the first time in four seasons, the Oilers remain convinced that they can defeat them again.
“This is the fourth time and each time, we showed up with the same mentality,” continued McDavid. This is a new series, this is not the continuation of the previous one. We don’t start with two victories in your pocket. This is the first team that will win four games and it’s still a challenge. They force us to play well. You have to be disciplined and play fiercely to beat them. We have to prepare to do it and we are ready to do so. »»
