Oilers Eliminate Kings in Playoffs, Depth Leads Success

The Edmonton Oilers advanced past the Los Angeles Kings in the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, but this year's success was driven by their improved depth rather than just star performances from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Key contributions from players like Connor Brown, Adam Henrique, and Trent Frederic were crucial, especially in pivotal moments where the stars had quieter games. The Oilers went 6-0 in closeout attempts in games 5 and 6 of series during the McDavid-Draisaitl era, underscoring the impact of their supporting cast. Goaltending depth also played a critical role, with veteran backup Calvin Pickard stepping in for a struggling Stuart Skinner and winning four straight games. The team's resilience was evident after dropping the first two games to the Kings, rallying together for an overtime win in Game 4 and ultimately clinching the series in Game 6. This collective strength and ability to rely on contributions from across the roster provide optimism for a deeper playoff run.