LA Kings vs Edmonton Oilers Game 3 Preview: Key Points, Projected Lines, and More

The series shifts to Edmonton with the Los Angeles Kings leading 2-0!

Game Two Recap:

Much better complete effort from LA in game two to put themselves up 2-0. Entering the 3rd period up 3-1, Viktor Arvidsson redirected a puck to make it 3-2 before LA rattled off three straight goals, including two goals from Adrian Kempe, chasing Stuart Skinner. Much better composure there.

Scoring-wise, Adrian Kempe and Anze Kopitar led the way for LA, with both skaters collecting four points. They now sit tied for 1st and 2nd in playoff scoring league-wide. For Edmonton, Leon Draisaitl and Viktor Arvidsson each scored.

Much better day in the net for Darcy Kuemper as well. After posting an .800 save percentage in game one, Kuemper stopped 24 of 26 for a .923 save percentage. There was no improvement on the other side. After giving up six in game one, Stuart Skinner surrendered five more, eventually being pulled in favor of Calvin Pickard.

Key Points Against the Edmonton Oilers:

Special Team Success

What a difference a year can make in the special teams department.

After going 0/12 in five games last season, the Kings are 5/9 so far on the man advantage, getting contributions from both PP units.

The Kings have opened the scoring in both games on the power play, setting the tone and building confidence for the entirety of the game. On the flip side, the PK has been great. LA has been perfect on the so far, shutting down a unit that has dominated them throughout the previous series matchups. While it might be unrealistic to keep that perfect rate, it has been a huge difference maker to now allow their PP to take over games.

Once again expect the special teams to be important again tonight.

Close Out Leads

Night and day between game one and game two in the third period.

What a wild ride the end of the 3rd period was on Monday. At the end of the day, however, it was a Kings win. They knew they had to be better, and they were. On Wednesday, the Kings dictated the third period. After Viktor Arvidsson scored to make it 3-2, LA did not look back as they rattled off three straight to expand their lead to 6-2, eventually winning by said score. Nothing is perfect come playoff time, but it does not necessarily have to be. You're not playing for goal differential or points; all you are playing for is 16 wins.

Projected Lineups:

Here is how the Kings lined up on Wednesday for game two. Jacob Moverare came in for Alex Turcotte as LA ran the 11/7 setup.

On the Edmonton side, multiple changes were made. Evander Kane returned to the lineup, while Jeff Skinner came out. John Klingberg came in for Josh Brown. Would not be shocked to see more changes tonight. No word on a starting goalie.

How to Tune In:

Tonight's puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. PST and 10:00 p.m. EST and is available to watch on FanDuel Sports Network West and TNT. On the FanDuel side, a pre-game show begins 30 minutes prior. An audio-only feed is available on the ESPN LA app. Go Kings Go!