Andrei Kuzmenko, wearing No. 96 for the Los Angeles Kings, celebrates with teammates after scoring in the second period of Game 2 against the Edmonton Oilers during the first round of the NHL playoffs on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Adrian Kempe led the charge for the Los Angeles Kings as they overwhelmed the Edmonton Oilers 6-2 on Wednesday night, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in their Stanley Cup playoff series. The Kings’ top forward tallied two goals in the third period and set up two more, spearheading an offensive explosion that Edmonton simply couldn’t contain.
Captain Anze Kopitar was just as sharp, contributing one goal and three assists. Quinton Byfield and Andrei Kuzmenko each scored for the second consecutive game, while Brandt Clarke celebrated his first-ever playoff goal in what turned out to be a night of dominance for Los Angeles.
Despite a strong start and a three-goal cushion, the Kings briefly saw their lead shrink to 3-2 early in the third period. But any thoughts of another comeback — like Game 1’s blown four-goal margin — were crushed quickly. In less than five minutes, the Kings slammed in three goals, forcing Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner to the bench.
“We’ve been playing solid at both ends,” said Kings head coach Jim Hiller. “Tonight, we made the most of our chances. The guys are executing and staying sharp.”
This marks the fourth straight year that the Kings and Oilers are clashing in the first round, but for the first time, Los Angeles has the home-ice edge. They’ve made it count so far. Over two games at Crypto.com Arena, where they owned the NHL’s best home record this season, the Kings have scored 12 goals — with five coming on the power play, an area where they previously struggled.
Defenseman Mikey Anderson highlighted the team’s drive to defend their home turf: “We fought hard to get home ice, and we’re using it well. We’ve got two wins, but now it’s all about getting ready for the next one.”
Game 3 shifts the action to Edmonton on Friday night.
For the Oilers, Leon Draisaitl and Viktor Arvidsson provided the only glimmers of hope. Draisaitl found the net off a crisp pass from John Klingberg, and Arvidsson narrowed the scoreline with just under 16 minutes left in the game. But that’s as close as Edmonton would get.
Los Angeles answered almost immediately. Kempe fired home on a setup from Kopitar, who then added another assist on the Kings’ third power-play goal. That goal forced a change in Edmonton’s net, with Calvin Pickard stepping in for Skinner. But the bleeding didn’t stop — Kempe struck again, sealing the blowout.
Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper made 24 saves and stood firm when needed most.
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch acknowledged his team’s shortcomings: “We’re not where we want to be, but this group has bounced back before. We’re not out of it.”
