Edmonton Oilers win 3-1 in Game 5 to take series lead against Los Angeles Kings

The Edmonton Oilers continue their impressive playoff run with a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings in Game 5 of their first-round series. Mattias Janmark scored the tiebreaking goal in the third period, securing the Oilers’ third consecutive win and a 3-2 lead in the series. Evander Kane and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also found the back of the net, while Calvin Pickard made 20 saves to help Edmonton take the lead in the series.

Janmark’s goal came at 7:12 of the third period, finally rewarding the Oilers for their dominance in possession and shots throughout the game. Nugent-Hopkins sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, capping off the Oilers’ franchise-record third consecutive comeback playoff win.

The Kings, who led the series early on, are now facing elimination after their fourth consecutive first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Oilers. Andrei Kuzmenko scored the lone goal for the Kings, with Darcy Kuemper making 43 saves in a losing effort.

The Oilers have turned the series in their favor since Game 4, outshooting the Kings 79-34 since the third period of that game. Despite Kuemper’s strong performance in the first period of Game 5, the Kings were unable to hold off Edmonton’s relentless attack.

Kane’s goal in the second period tied the game for the Oilers, who continued to pressure the Kings with 33 shots in the first two periods. Los Angeles, known for their offensive firepower, struggled to generate scoring chances against a determined Edmonton defense.

With a chance to close out the series at home in Game 6, the Oilers are poised to advance to the next round with another strong performance. The Kings will need to regroup and find a way to stave off elimination to keep their playoff hopes alive. Stay tuned for more exciting playoff action as the Oilers look to secure their spot in the next round.