Oilers Edge Kings for Series Lead Thanks to Janmark's Decisive Goal

In Los Angeles, Mattias Janmark netted the pivotal goal in the third period, propelling the Edmonton Oilers to a 3-1 triumph over the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night. This marks the Oilers’ third straight win, giving them a 3-2 series lead in this first-round matchup.

Evander Kane and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also found the back of the net, while Calvin Pickard secured 20 saves for the reigning Western Conference champions. The Oilers have the chance to clinch the series in Game 6 back home in Edmonton on Thursday.

Edmonton’s persistence paid off in Game 5 as they dominated puck possession and shot statistics. Janmark capitalized on a rebound from Viktor Arvidsson’s attempt with 12:48 left in the game.

Despite some tense final moments, Nugent-Hopkins ensured victory with an empty-net goal, marking the Oilers’ unprecedented third consecutive playoff comeback win.

“We felt confident after the first period, knowing we were outplaying them,” Janmark said. “We kept pressing on the gas. Even after they scored, Kaner answered right back, and we powered ahead.”

Andrei Kuzmenko scored for the Kings, and Darcy Kuemper held strong with 43 saves. Despite early successes at home, the Kings now face a potential fourth straight first-round playoff exit, having fallen short despite leading in several games.

The Oilers have shifted the series momentum significantly, overwhelmingly outshooting the Kings 79-35 since Game 4’s third period.

“They were the better team in every aspect tonight,” remarked Kings coach Jim Hiller. “Beyond special teams, they outperformed us everywhere else. Our goaltender kept us in it, but overall, nothing met our standards tonight.”

Kuemper made 19 saves in the opening period, and the Kings took a quick lead in the second when Kuzmenko deflected a shot from captain Anze Kopitar during a power play. Kuzmenko has been a standout, tallying his sixth postseason point.

The Oilers leveled the score less than three minutes later with a goal from Kane in the slot. A controversial moment with no penalty occurred later in the period when Kane and Kings’ lead scorer Adrian Kempe collided knees.

Edmonton managed 33 shots in the game’s first two periods—a season high allowed for Los Angeles, which was halted after scoring 19 goals in the series’ initial four games.

“We played with the urgency we needed, much like we did during the final periods and overtime of the last game,” Pickard noted. “This time, we sustained it for the full 60 minutes.”