The Los Angeles Kings started the playoffs for the fourth straight season against the same opponent in the Edmonton Oilers. However, this year it was different in that the series was beginning in Los Angeles as the Kings finished ahead of the Oilers in the Pacific Division.
That home ice advantage seemed to work out very well for them as they would jump out to a 4-0 lead. However, everything seemed to fall apart starting in the closing seconds of the second period when the Oilers scored their first goal of the night.
They weren't done there and would score four of the next five goals in this game to tie it up with just under two minutes left in the third period. Thankfully, the Kings were able to answer less than a minute later to take the lead and secure the win.
Looking ahead to Game 2 and the rest of the series, there are some reasons for Kings' fans to be optimistic about their chances to beat the Oilers, but there are also two reasons for concern.
Optimism: They have a 1-0 lead with another home game coming up
Let's start with the obvious and that is the Los Angeles Kings have the lead in the series and can extend it with another win on Wednesday night. In two of the previous three meetings, the Kings have won Game 1, with a 4-3 victory in the 2022 NHL Playoffs and a 4-3 overtime win in the 2023 NHL Playoffs.
However, in each of the previous two meetings the Oilers would answer back with a win in Game 2. Part of the reason for their success was having home ice, which is now working in Los Angeles' favor. The Kings have been one of the best home teams in the NHL and need to show that on Wednesday.