The Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers are all tied up at two games a piece as they are back in the City of Angels for Game 5 tonight. Each home team has won in every contest so far this series, with the Kings taking the first two in LA, while Edmonton evened things up back in Canada. We are all set for an electric final few games of this series, will it go all the way to seven?
The Kings netted six goals in each of the opening games, fending off the Oilers in Game 1 while beating them handily in Game 2. But then they had to go on the road, where they are just 17-19-5 this season, and things went south. The Kings held a 4-3 lead after two periods in Game 3 in Edmonton, but the Oilers went on to score four in the final period in order to solidify a three goal, 7-4 win.
We had tons of excitement in Game 4 as the visiting Kings jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, and eventually led 3-1 after two periods yet again. However the Oilers scored two in the 3rd period, including the tying goal with 29 seconds left on the clock, in order to force overtime where Leon Draisaitl won things on a power play after over 18 minutes of extra action.
Tonight in Game 5, will the Kings bounce back at home? Or will the Oilers momentum carry them to a series lead heading back home?
Historically this season, the Kings have been one of the absolute best teams at home, posting a 31-6-4 record. They already took both games in LA earlier this series, but is Edmonton's momentum too strong? The Oilers are certainly a streaky team, but with Evander Kane back in the lineup, the entire offense seems to be firing at the moment.
It would take a lot for me to fade the Oilers in this spot, and I don't think I am capable of doing so.
We are backing Edmonton to keep their momentum going in this Game 5. Although I thought the Kings had a shot to end this series in four or five after the first two games, the Oilers have battled back, won Game 4 in overtime in comeback fashion, and now they are ready to make a run in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Sure, Edmonton may have been dealing with a Cup Runner Up hangover to start the postseason, but it seems as if they are over that. They made the switch to put Calvin Pickard between the posts, and he certainly stepped up back at home. I think that continues on the road tonight, with the Oilers playing aggressive and fearless with a fully stocked offense once again.
Yes, the Kings are stupid good at home. Yes, they had a lead going into the 3rd period twice on the road and fumbled the bag. But I think the damage is already done. They gave the Oilers the little spark this team needed in order to rally for two comeback victories at home. I see them riding this momentum all the way down to LA, pulling off this road upset, and getting ready to clinch the series back at home in Edmonton.
Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.