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Los Angeles Kings Kings name 2 reasons this playoff series vs Oilers will be different
Photo credit: Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings are headed toward their fourth straight playoff series, and Kings players are feeling much more confident this time around.
The Kings are actually being named as the slight favourites to win the series, with a 50.2% chance to beat the Oilers per the Athletic. Edmonton will have to make them eat their words.
LA Kings name home ice and playoff experience as reasons this year will be different
Speaking in their pre-game interviews today, multiple Kings players stressed this year feels much different within the group. Adrian Kempe highlighted home ice advantage as a major boost to the team this year.
Going into the playoffs, I would say (this is our best chance as a group) because we have home-ice advantage. We feel in the room that we're a better team than we've been in the past.
- Adrian Kempe
- Adrian Kempe
On that front, the Kings are right to be confident. Los Angeles had the best home ice record in the NHL this year with a whopping 31-5-4. Less games in the hostile environment of Oil Country benefits them too.
Drew Doughty pointed to the veteran experience the team added this offseason, especially with Cup winner Darcy Kuemper in net.
I think we had three guys who had won (the Stanley Cup) in here before. That experience means a ton. They're not going to buckle under pressure, they're going to thrive in the occasion when that opportunity hits. We needed those guys.
- Drew Doughty
- Drew Doughty
While the Kings have real reasons to be confident this season, the Oilers will be content with their record of 3-0 in series against Los Angeles.
The big question mark surrounding the Oilers this season is their health, but Connor McDavid has shut down that notion and actually suggested the Oilers are healthier than they seem.
This year's series is shaping up to be the closest between these two teams yet.
Both teams have real chances, and the winner will be whichever team can consistently elevate their game a bit more. With McDavid and Draisaitl on their side, the Oilers will like their chances.
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 21 | 944 ANSWERS Los Angeles Kings Kings name 2 reasons this playoff series vs Oilers will be different Who do you think will win the Oilers and Kings series? | ||
| Oilers | 690 | 73.1 % |
| Kings | 254 | 26.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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