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Penalty kill struggles and other takeaways from LA Kings Game 3 loss to Oilers

ByBrandon Croce|
Apr 25, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Los Angeles Kings defensemen Drew Doughty (8) and Edmonton Oilers forward Victor Arvidsson (33) battle for position during the first period in game three of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Apr 25, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Los Angeles Kings defensemen Drew Doughty (8) and Edmonton Oilers forward Victor Arvidsson (33) battle for position during the first period in game three of the first round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images | Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
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Jim Hiller's gambles with the challenge and it costs the Kings

The second power play opportunity for the Edmonton Oilers came after Jim Hiller would challenge Evander Kane's goal. The Kings felt like there was goalie interference and after review it was determined that was not the case.

After the game, Hiller explained the thought process and what other factors the team weighed, like the fact that it was tied 4-4 at that point and they might be giving the Oilers a power play.

When looking at the goal, there was probably enough there to review for either goalie interference or Kane kicking the puck but as Hiller mentioned ultimately the league didn't agree. As bad the end result was, with the Oilers getting the power play goal, if the goal was overturned then the Kings keep a 4-3 lead and maybe momentum stays on their side.

By challenging the play, the Oilers weren't guaranteed to have another goal and take the lead because the Kings still could have killed the power play. It seems like Hiller felt it was worth the gamble but in the end didn't work out in their favor.

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