Jobaaj Stories
Kings vs. Oilers: Game 4 Preview & Predictions
The Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers clash in Game 4 of their first-round NHL playoff series at Rogers Place on April 26th, 2025, at 9:30 PM EST. The Kings currently lead the series 2-1, but the Oilers delivered a stunning 7-4 victory in Game 3, igniting their playoff hopes. This article provides a comprehensive preview and predictions for this crucial matchup, analyzing both teams' strengths and weaknesses.
Game 3 Recap: Oilers Shock the Kings
Game 3 saw a dramatic turnaround. Despite trailing 4-3 entering the final period, the Oilers exploded for four unanswered goals in the last seven minutes. Evander Kane's controversial tying goal, followed ten seconds later by Evan Bouchard's power-play marker, shifted the momentum decisively. Connor McDavid and Connor Brown added empty-net goals to seal the thrilling victory. While Kings' forwards like Adrian Kempe, Kevin Fiala, Drew Doughty, and Trevor Moore found the back of the net, their defense couldn't contain Edmonton's late surge. The Oilers' offensive firepower, spearheaded by McDavid, Draisaitl, Bouchard, and Kane, proved too much to overcome.
Los Angeles Kings: Strengths and Weaknesses
The Kings boasted a regular season record of 48-25-9. Their offense, led by Adrian Kempe (73 points) and Anze Kopitar (67 points), consistently scored three or more goals in eight of their last nine games. However, Darcy Kuemper’s inconsistency in net remains a concern, having struggled in Games 1 and 3. Despite their strong defensive numbers (second in goals and shots against per game during the regular season), their ability to shut down Edmonton's potent offense will be tested.
Edmonton Oilers: Strengths and Weaknesses
The Oilers finished the regular season with a 48-29-5 record. Their offensive prowess, highlighted by Leon Draisaitl's 106 points and Connor McDavid's 100, is undeniable. Game 3 showcased their offensive capabilities, even with some early-season chemistry issues due to injuries. While their goaltending has been inconsistent, the Game 3 win showed the potential for a strong performance if their offensive pressure can continue. Their defense, while not as dominant as the Kings', needs to be solid to prevent another high-scoring affair.
Predictions for Game 4
Full-Game Side Bet: With the series shifting back to Rogers Place, the Oilers' desperation for a win and the home-ice advantage make them a strong bet. Prediction: Edmonton Oilers Moneyline (-140).
Full-Game Total Pick: The high-scoring nature of the first three games suggests another over is likely. Prediction: Over 6 goals.
