The Edmonton Oilers opened the 2023-24 Stanley Cup Playoffs with an emphatic 7-4 victory over the Los Angeles Kings in Game 1 on Monday night in Alberta. The Oilers were dominant from the outset, scoring the game’s first two goals and cruising to a comfortable victory. Connor McDavid had five assists, while Zach Hyman recorded a hat trick for the hosts. Los Angeles, despite closing as a +175 underdog, was unable to match the Oilers’ offensive firepower.
The Kings, known for their depth and defensive structure, were caught off guard by the Oilers’ early lead. Los Angeles struggled to contain McDavid, who was downright unstoppable throughout the game. The Oilers’ captain was a constant threat, creating scoring chances at will for his teammates.
In order to get back into this series, the Kings will need to find a way to contain McDavid. They will also need to keep the game on their terms and limit the Oilers’ high-danger scoring chances. Los Angeles was one of the best teams in the NHL this season at limiting shots on goal and high-danger scoring chances, so one poor game shouldn’t change our opinion of how this team can perform in this series.
Game 2 is set for Wednesday night in Los Angeles. The Kings will be looking to bounce back and tie the series, while the Oilers will be aiming to take a commanding 2-0 lead. It’s sure to be another exciting matchup between two of the most talented teams in the NHL.
