Oilers finding resilience despite early struggles against Kings
The Edmonton Oilers have become the NHL’s most puzzling playoff team through four games against the Los Angeles Kings.
Los Angeles has dominated the first and second periods, outscoring Edmonton 14-6.
Yet the Oilers have countered with an 11-5 advantage in third periods, plus the only overtime goal of the series.
Should Edmonton receive credit for its comeback ability or criticism for repeatedly falling behind early? Perhaps both apply as the series stands tied 2-2.
The Kings appeared to have control after winning the first two games, chasing goaltender Stuart Skinner to the bench after scoring 12 goals. Game 3 shifted momentum when Los Angeles squandered a 4-3 lead following a controversial coach’s challenge that gave Edmonton a power play and eventual game-winning goal.
In Game 4, the Kings again seemed poised for victory, outshooting the Oilers 28-15 through two periods while building a 3-1 lead. Edmonton was still struggling in net and missing defenseman Matthias Ekholm.
Then came another Oilers comeback, culminating in an overtime victory that evened the series.
The question now becomes whether Edmonton can finally harness the talents of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to take control, or if Los Angeles will solve its late-game issues.
Jets facing unexpected playoff crisis
While Edmonton has found new life, the Winnipeg Jets have inherited the mantle of “Western Canadian team overwhelmed with angst.”
Just a week ago, Winnipeg looked like a Stanley Cup contender after posting 56 wins and 116 points in the regular season. The Jets took a 2-0 series lead against the St. Louis Blues with two home victories, showcasing their potent offense and league-best defense anchored by Hart Trophy candidate Connor Hellebuyck.
Then disaster struck. Winnipeg surrendered 12 goals in two games in St. Louis, with Hellebuyck pulled in both contests.
The two-time Vezina Trophy winner has posted just a .817 save percentage in the postseason—far below his league-leading .925 mark during the regular season. His goals-against average has jumped from 2.00 to 4.24 against the Blues.
This continues a troubling pattern for Hellebuyck, who has allowed 4.27 goals per game over the past three postseasons.
Jets players have defended their goaltender, blaming themselves for allowing too much traffic in front of the net.
“We need to be better in front of him,” Jets coach Scott Arniel said. “We need to let him see some pucks. There are things we have to do to help him. And there are things he has to do to help us.”
While screen shots may explain some struggles, it raises questions about why opponents don’t employ this strategy more often during the regular season when Hellebuyck typically dominates.
Making a goaltending change presents its own challenges. Hellebuyck carries an $8.5 million annual salary, tied with Mark Scheifele as the team’s highest-paid player. Backup Eric Comrie, who makes just $825,000, has limited experience as a career journeyman.
Any switch would signal panic from Arniel, whose best option remains hoping home ice at Canada Life Centre helps restore Hellebuyck’s confidence for Game 5 on Wednesday.
A victory would represent significant progress for the Jets, who have typically lost games in bunches during previous playoff eliminations.
Before that, Edmonton returns to action Tuesday night looking to maintain momentum—though momentum has meant little in the Western Conference playoffs so far.
