The Edmonton Oilers look to clinch their first-round Western Conference playoff series at home Thursday night, riding a three-game winning streak after falling behind 2-0 early in the series.
Los Angeles Kings find themselves in must-win territory, needing to snap their three-game slide to force a decisive Game 7 in a matchup where special teams could prove decisive.
With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl both collecting 10 points through five games for Edmonton, the Oilers' powerplay has been lethal, converting 57 percent of their chances in their last three victories.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings prediction: who will win?
For tonight's Edmonton Oilers vs Los Angeles Kings matchup, our predictive model gives the Oilers a 70.33% chance of defeating the Kings.
Edmonton Oilers: 70.33% win probability
- Explosive scoring capability (277 goals scored, tied for 3rd most in Western Conference)
- Recent momentum (WLWWW record in last five games)
- Home ice advantage as the higher seed (6th in Western Conference)
Los Angeles Kings: 29.67% win probability
- Recent inconsistency on the road (Recent form LWWWW shows potential vulnerability away)
- Goal scoring efficiency (250 goals, 27 fewer than Edmonton despite higher standings)
- Defensive vulnerability when facing high-powered offenses (206 goals against, but likely to be tested by Edmonton's potent attack)
At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model combines insights from top NHL experts. Instead of sifting through hundreds of expert analyses across the web, you can rely on our predictions to understand the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing predictions, data, and opinions, and our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. We then average these levels to produce an 'expert opinion' win probability—reflecting the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NHL experts.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings odds
Here are the latest odds as the Edmonton Oilers host the Los Angeles Kings in NHL action on Thursday, May 01.
| Edmonton Oilers | Los Angeles Kings | |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | -160 (via BetMGM Sportsbook) | +145 (via bet365 US) |
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Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings preview
The high-flying Oilers look to close out their first-round playoff series at home Thursday night, riding a surge of momentum after flipping an early 2-0 deficit into a commanding 3-2 series lead against the Kings.
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl have been offensive catalysts for Edmonton, each tallying 10 points in the series, while Calvin Pickard has been a pleasant surprise between the pipes with a perfect 3-0 record since taking over.
Los Angeles needs a spark from veterans Kopitar and Kempe to snap their three-game skid, as their once-potent offense has cooled to just eight goals over their last three contests.
Special teams could prove decisive at Rogers Place, with Edmonton converting an impressive 57% of their power play chances across their three consecutive victories.
The Kings' penalty kill has been particularly vulnerable, operating at just 43% efficiency during their losing streak – a troubling stat against an Oilers power play unit that's finding its rhythm at the perfect time.
Key stats
- 1The Kings hold 4th position in the Western Conference with 105 points, while the Oilers sit 6th with 101 points
- 2Los Angeles has a better defensive record, conceding 206 goals compared to Edmonton's 236 this season
- 3Both teams have similar offensive output with the Oilers scoring 259 goals and Kings netting 250 across 82 games
- 4The Kings enter with strong recent form (LWWWW) compared to the Oilers' more inconsistent results (WLWWW)
Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings form
Edmonton Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings head to head
Edmonton Oilers
50%
Los Angeles Kings
50%
Apr 30, 2025
Los Angeles Kings
1 : 3
Edmonton Oilers
Apr 28, 2025
Edmonton Oilers
4 : 3
Los Angeles Kings
Apr 26, 2025
Edmonton Oilers
7 : 4
Los Angeles Kings
Apr 24, 2025
Los Angeles Kings
6 : 2
Edmonton Oilers
Apr 22, 2025
Los Angeles Kings
6 : 5
Edmonton Oilers
Apr 15, 2025
Edmonton Oilers
0 : 5
Los Angeles Kings
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