Kings, Oilers Clash in Fourth Consecutive Playoff Series

The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings are set to face off in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs for the fourth consecutive year, with the Kings seeking their first playoff series win since 2014 after three straight losses to Edmonton. The Oilers, led by stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, enter the postseason with injury concerns and inconsistent regular-season performance, but remain favorites due to their elite talent and prior playoff success. Meanwhile, the Kings have responded to past disappointments with a franchise-best season and now have home-ice advantage, boasting one of the NHL's stingiest defenses and a formidable record at home. Both teams feature deep rosters and balanced offenses, but questions linger about Edmonton's goaltending and injury-depleted lineup. The Kings, who dominated recent head-to-head matchups and possess renewed confidence, see this as their best opportunity yet to overcome their playoff nemesis. The series is expected to be tightly contested, setting the stage for an intense battle between two well-matched Pacific Division rivals.