Welcome back to another NHL Predictions (Playoffs Edition). Each day, our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Los Angeles Kings taking on the Edmonton Oilers. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions , as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions: Western Conference, First Round, Game 3
Los Angeles Kings vs Edmonton Oilers
Series: Kings 2 – 0 Oilers
Time: 10:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: TNT, truTV, MAX, CBC, SN, TVAS2, FDSNW
The Kings have done what every team dreams of—hold serve on home-ice. After surviving a furious comeback in Game 1, Los Angeles took full control in Game 2, hammering the Oilers with a 6–2 win and exposing serious holes in Edmonton’s defence and penalty kill. Now, the series shifts north to Rogers Place, where the Oilers face a must-win scenario in front of their home crowd. For a team with Stanley Cup aspirations, dropping the first two games has the pressure dial turned to max. Game 3 promises to be intense, desperate, and series-defining.
Kings Dominate to Take 2–0 Series Lead
The Los Angeles Kings have taken a commanding 2–0 series lead over the Edmonton Oilers, following a decisive 6–2 victory in Game 2. Adrian Kempe and Anze Kopitar each recorded four points, with Kempe netting two goals and two assists, and Kopitar contributing a goal and three assists. The Kings’ power play was particularly effective, converting three of five opportunities, bringing their total to five power-play goals in the series and humming at a 50% conversion.
Goaltender Darcy Kuemper made 24 saves, providing a solid backbone for the Kings’ defense. The Kings’ ability to capitalize on special teams and maintain offensive pressure has been a significant factor in their early series success.
Oilers Seek Answers as Series Shifts to Edmonton
The Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a challenging position, trailing 2–0 in the series as they return home for Game 3. Despite a valiant comeback effort in Game 1, the Oilers were unable to contain the Kings’ offense in Game 2. Leon Draisaitl and Viktor Arvidsson each scored for Edmonton, but defensive lapses and an ineffective penalty kill have plagued them.
Head coach Kris Knoblauch is likely contemplating a change in goal, considering starting Calvin Pickard over Stuart Skinner , who has allowed 11 goals over the first two games. The Oilers’ penalty kill, which was flawless against the Kings in last year’s playoffs, has struggled, allowing five power-play goals in the series.
Former Hart Trophy, Rocket Richard, and Stanley Cup Winner Corey Perry has a positive take on the series. He told Sportsnet , “They protected home ice… I mean, that’s what you’re supposed to do: Protect home ice. We came here to steal a game, didn’t happen, now we go home and we protect our ice.”
NHL Predictions: Game 3
As the series moves to Rogers Place in Edmonton, the Oilers face a must-win situation to avoid falling into a 3–0 deficit. The team must tighten its defensive play, improve penalty killing, and find a way to contain the Kings’ potent power play. Offensively, the Oilers will probably need contributions from their stars, including Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, to spark a turnaround. At the same time, they’ll be hoping that some secondary scoring can chip in.
The Kings, on the other hand, will aim to maintain their momentum and continue exploiting the Oilers’ defensive weaknesses. If Los Angeles can sustain their special teams’ success and offensive pressure, they have a strong chance to take a 3–0 series lead.
Prediction: Kings win 5–3
Prop Bets of the Night
We round out NHL Predictions with some prop bets of the night. The sportsbooks are counting on the Oilers bouncing back. That may be a bridge too far, given the momentum of this series; consider Kings moneyline (+114). Expect a motivated Connor McDavid and look at his 2+ points line (+105). Adrian Kempe is on fire and getting meaningful minutes. His 2+ points line is appealing as well (+260). Lastly, Andrei Kuzmenko goes to the areas you need to score in the playoffs. His anytime goal odds are +300. (Postseason record: 4-1)
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Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea- Imagn Images
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