In a thrilling playoff opener, the Edmonton Oilers showcased their trademark resilience, battling back from a daunting 4-0 deficit to tie the score against the L.A. Kings. Despite their valiant effort, which included a spectacular three-point night from captain Connor McDavid, the Oilers ultimately fell short as Phillip Danault scored the game-winner for the Kings with just 41 seconds left on the clock.

Oilers' head coach Kris Knoblauch praised his team's composure and perseverance, emphasizing their maturity and ability to handle adversity. Forward Zach Hyman echoed this sentiment, highlighting the talent within the squad that enables them to mount remarkable comebacks. However, the team’s promising comeback left them with a sense of disappointment as they headed into Game 2, knowing that they need to improve to take the series lead.

In a thrilling playoff opener, the Los Angeles Kings edged out the Edmonton Oilers 6-5, demonstrating resilience after blowing a four-goal lead. Phillip Danault clinched the victory with a late goal, while Andrei Kuzmenko shone in his playoff debut, contributing a goal and two assists. Despite a late surge from the Oilers, featuring key goals from Zach Hyman and Connor McDavid, the Kings held on, showcasing their offensive depth with contributions from Quinton Byfield and Kevin Fiala.

Darcy Kuemper made crucial saves, marking his return to playoff action since winning the Cup with Colorado. This victory not only gave the Kings a win in their series but also marked a pivotal moment as they aim to overcome past playoff failures against the Oilers. The next game is set for Wednesday in Los Angeles, as the Kings look to build on their momentum.

In a thrilling playoff opener, the Los Angeles Kings edged out the Edmonton Oilers 6-5 in a rollercoaster matchup. Phillip Danault clinched the game with a late goal, capping off a night where the Kings saw a commanding 4-0 lead dwindle to a tie before rallying. Andrei Kuzmenko made a notable Stanley Cup debut, contributing a goal and two assists, while Darcy Kuemper secured the win with critical saves. Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman's efforts for the Oilers nearly pushed them back, showcasing the intense rivalry between these teams.

Connor McDavid showcased his return to form with four assists as the Edmonton Oilers clinched a playoff spot by defeating the San Jose Sharks 4-2. However, the victory came at a cost as the Oilers suffered injuries to key players, including Mattias Ekholm and Zach Hyman, raising concerns ahead of the postseason.

The Oilers are already dealing with multiple injuries, missing star players like Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Head coach Kris Knoblauch expressed uncertainty about the return of the injured players, emphasizing the need for the team to adapt quickly. Despite the setbacks, veterans like Corey Perry and Brett Kulak provided optimism, highlighting that other players can step up in critical roles.

McDavid's impactful return after an eight-game absence has been a beacon of hope. He is now close to hitting the 100-point mark for the fifth consecutive season, a feat only achieved by legends like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. The Oilers are looking to solidify their momentum with several games remaining before the playoffs.