Oilers vs Kings NHL Playoff Series 2025: Schedule, Odds & Expert Prediction
For the fourth consecutive year, the Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings will meet in Round 1 of the NHL Playoffs. While Edmonton has won the previous three matchups, LA enters with home-ice advantage after finishing second in the Pacific Division.
NHL players battling on ice
The Oilers (-135) are favored to advance despite starting on the road, with a 57.45% implied probability of winning the series according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
Series Schedule:
- Game 1: Monday, April 21 - Edmonton at Los Angeles
- Game 2: Wednesday, April 23 - Edmonton at Los Angeles
- Game 3: Friday, April 25 - Los Angeles at Edmonton
- Game 4: Sunday, April 27 - Los Angeles at Edmonton
- Game 5*: Tuesday, April 29 - Edmonton at Los Angeles
- Game 6*: Thursday, May 1 - Los Angeles at Edmonton
- Game 7*: Saturday, May 3 - Edmonton at Los Angeles (*if necessary)
Team Analysis:
Oilers (48-29-5, 3rd Pacific)
- Leon Draisaitl leads NHL with 52 goals
- Connor McDavid reached 100 points despite missing 15 games
- Key injuries: Mattias Ekholm out, several others not 100%
- Ranked 11th in scoring, 14th in goals against
Kings
- Won 3 of 4 regular season meetings vs Oilers
- Darcy Kuemper: 2nd in save percentage (.922) and GAA (2.02)
- Adrian Kempe led team with 73 points
- Strong defensive team: 2nd best goals against average
Head-to-Head Stats:
- Kings have better goaltending and home ice advantage
- Oilers have superior star power but injury concerns
- LA's defensive system vs Edmonton's offensive firepower
Prediction: Kings (+115) Reasoning: Better team health, home ice advantage, and superior goaltending give LA the edge despite Edmonton's star power and recent playoff success.
Note: This prediction factors in the Kings' regular season success against Edmonton and the Oilers' current injury situation, making the underdog price particularly attractive for bettors.