Tonight is a very important game for both the Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers. If the Kings win they tie the series up at 2 and will have a good chance of still coming back and winning the series. If the Oilers win the Oilers will be up 3-1 and will only have to win one more game out of 3 to eliminate the Kings and move on the the next round.
Looking back at the last 3 games of this series it is apparent that the Oilers are the better team when they play their game. In the one game the Kings won this series the Oilers played poorly and even in that game they still were able to force OT. If the Kings want to have any chance to beat the Oilers in this series they are going to need help from the Oilers themselves.
In the three games, the Oilers have scored 17 games which is averaging more than 5 goals a game. Which in the playoffs is a recipe for a victory. For the Kings, they have only scored 10 goals. Which is an average of just over 3 goals a game. The Kings are going to stop allowing that many goals a game if they want to have a chance to beat the Oilers because their 3 goals a game should be enough to win an NHL playoff game.
It has been a couple of days since I have dove into what is going on around the rest of the NHL. So here is a quick update on each series.
Florida Panthers Vs Tampa Bay Lightning, 3-1 Panthers
This series was looking like it might be over yesterday, but the Lightning were able to pull out a victory and push the game to at least 5 games.
Boston Bruins Vs Toronto Maples Leafs, 3-1 Bruins
After splitting the games in Boston the Bruins swept the Maple Leafs at home. Now the Leafs will need to win game 5 on the road if they hope to stay alive.
New York Rangers Vs Washington Capitals, 3-0 Rangers
Honestly, this shouldn’t be a surprise for many people, The Capitals were extremely lucky to get into the playoff this year and the Rangers are the best team in the East. I don’t expect the Caps to win a game this series.
Carolina Hurricanes Vs New York Islanders, 3-1 Hurricanes
The Islanders saved their season yesterday by beating the Canes in overtime. I still don’t think they have any chance of taking this series.
Dallas Stars Vs Vegas Golden Knights, 2-1 Golden Knights
After getting swept at home the Dallas Stars were able to win the first game in Vegas. This series is still up in the air and is one that I am planning to keep my eye on.
Winnipeg Jets Vs Colorado Avalanche, 2-1 Avalanche
After winning the first game the Jets have lost 2 in a row. They need to find a way to stop the Avs from scoring if they want to have a chance of getting back into this series
Vancouver Canucks Vs Nashville Predators, 2-1 Canucks
Going into this series I thought there was no way the Canucks were going to lose, but the injury to Demko has opened the door for the Preds. If there is a reason the Canucks lose it will likely be because of their goaltending.
Next. Condors eliminated from playoffs after 3-1 loss to the Reign. Condors eliminated from playoffs after 3-1 loss to the Reign. dark
The important game 4 takes place tonight in Los Angeles. This game in my opinion is the most important game of the series, as the series can be either won or lost tonight. An Oilers win and the Kings are all but eliminated. A Kings win and they have momentum heading into a pivotal game 5. Let’s all hope the Oilers play a solid game and put the Kings on the ropes.