Zach Hyman (18), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93), and Connor McDavid (97) of the Edmonton Oilers celebrate after scoring a goal in the first period against the Los Angeles Kings at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Friday, April 25, 2025. The moment was captured by Shaughn Butts of Postmedia.
The Edmonton Oilers kept their playoff hopes alive with a jaw-dropping comeback against the Los Angeles Kings on Friday night. Down two games in the series and trailing 4-3 late in Game 3, the Oilers appeared to be on their way out. But in a stunning turn of events at Rogers Place, they scored four unanswered goals — two of them in just 10 seconds — to steal a 7-4 victory and breathe life back into their playoff run.
Evander Kane ignited the comeback with a controversial goal that had to pass two video reviews — one for a possible kicking motion and another for goalie interference. Both reviews went in Edmonton’s favour, and when the Kings challenged and lost, it handed the Oilers a power play.
That’s when Evan Bouchard made them pay. Just 10 seconds later, he ripped a shot that gave Edmonton the lead for good at 5-4. Connor McDavid and Connor Brown each added an empty-net goal in the final minutes, putting the win beyond doubt and turning what looked like a first-round exit into a real series again.
The night started like a dream for the Oilers. They jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first 10 minutes. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who had been quiet all series, opened the scoring just under three minutes in. Then Bouchard, previously criticized for his defensive lapses, doubled the lead midway through the first period. The energy in Rogers Place was electric, and the Oilers looked to be in full control.
But just as quickly as things had gone right, they started to unravel. Edmonton gave up two power-play goals, allowing Los Angeles to erase the lead. Another laser shot over goalie Calvin Pickard gave the Kings a 3-2 advantage. Although the Oilers tied it again at 3-3 thanks to a strong shift by Connor Brown, the Kings immediately answered with a soft goal through Pickard’s legs that left fans stunned heading into the final period.
Down 4-3 and 20 minutes from elimination, the Oilers looked like a team on the brink. But with their backs to the wall, they rallied once more — something fans have seen them do time and again.
This thrilling comeback doesn’t just save their season — it shifts the momentum. The Oilers now trail 2-1 in the series, and with another win, they can level things and make it a best-of-three showdown.
After a night of rollercoaster emotions and electric moments, one thing is clear: the Oilers aren't going down without a fight.
