Los Angeles Kings goalie Darcy Kuemper stopped a shot from Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid during the second period of an NHL game in Edmonton on Monday, January 13, 2025. Jason Franson took the photo for The Canadian Press.
Connor McDavid celebrated his 28th birthday in style, scoring the lone goal in the Edmonton Oilers’ narrow 1-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Monday night. This win pushed the Oilers to second place in the Pacific Division, just behind the Vegas Golden Knights.
The match remained scoreless until late in the second period when McDavid capitalized on a rebound from Darnell Nurse’s shot. Assisted by Leon Draisaitl, McDavid’s 17th goal of the season sealed the victory. The Oilers’ goalie, Stuart Skinner, played a pivotal role, making 31 saves to secure his second shutout of the season and the sixth of his NHL career. Edmonton has now won six of their last seven games, solidifying their strong position in the division.
The Kings, on the other hand, have hit a bump in their season, suffering their second consecutive loss after a five-game winning streak. Despite this, Los Angeles goalie Darcy Kuemper put up a solid performance with 29 saves. Kuemper’s overall season stats remain impressive, with a 2.16 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage.
Key Moments and Highlights
- McDavid’s Milestone: McDavid’s birthday goal also marked a career milestone, tying him with Steve Yzerman for the third-highest points in NHL history before turning 28. His 1,040 career points were achieved in 73 fewer games than Yzerman. Only legends Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux reached higher totals by the same age.
- Pacific Division Dynamics: The Pacific Division continues to be fiercely competitive, with the Oilers and Kings among the hottest teams in the league since late November. Edmonton boasts a 15-4-1 record in that period, closely followed by Los Angeles at 13-3-2.
- Skinner’s Excellence: Skinner’s stellar performance between the posts has been crucial for the Oilers, particularly in this matchup. His consistency and composure under pressure ensured Edmonton walked away with a hard-fought victory.
While the Kings remain a formidable opponent, this game highlighted the Oilers’ resilience and ability to capitalize on critical moments. The win keeps Edmonton in the hunt for the top spot in the division, maintaining pressure on the Vegas Golden Knights.
