Los Angeles (2-0) at Edmonton (0-2)
- When: Apr 25 2025, 10:00 PM
- Where: Rogers Place, Edmonton, AB, CAN
- TV: TNT
Oilers vs. Kings Game 3 Preview & Betting Breakdown
Moneyline Favorite: Edmonton -142 | Total: 6.0
Edmonton Oilers Outlook
The Oilers enter Game 3 back home in a desperate spot, trailing 2-0 in the series and listed as -142 moneyline favorites with the total set at 6.0. Edmonton has been here before—down in series and battling back—but this time around, things feel a bit different. They’ve allowed six goals in each of the first two games, and their defensive structure, especially at even strength, has been a glaring issue.
Stuart Skinner’s under fire, but the problems go deeper. The Oilers have been outworked on special teams, giving up five goals on 10 Kings power plays while failing to convert a single one of their own. That’s a recipe for disaster in the playoffs, especially for a team built around elite top-end talent. Leon Draisaitl has found the net in both games, but the rest of the core—McDavid included—needs to generate more quality chances and step up the urgency.
Edmonton knows the math. Teams down 0-2 win just 14% of the time in a best-of-seven. They’ve done it before, but it’ll require a level of discipline, effort, and execution we haven’t seen yet in this series. The special teams battle is non-negotiable—they have to win it Friday night, or this thing could be over fast.
Los Angeles Kings Outlook
The Kings are rolling. With a 2-0 lead and their power play humming, they’ve flipped the script from last season’s first-round exit to the Oilers. L.A.’s special teams dominance has been the difference, converting at a 50% clip with the man advantage while shutting down Edmonton’s feared power play entirely.
This isn’t just a story of stars showing up—although Adrian Kempe, Anze Kopitar, and Kevin Fiala have all contributed. It’s the secondary scoring that’s setting the tone. Andrei Kuzmenko, Quinton Byfield, and Phil Danault have all found the back of the net, giving the Kings four lines that are generating pressure and production.
Even more impressive: they held McDavid scoreless in Game 2. Keeping Edmonton’s top weapons contained is no small feat, and if they continue to frustrate the Oilers’ big names, this series could be done in four.
Now the Kings head to Edmonton looking to steal a road win and effectively bury the series. They didn’t thrive away from home during the regular season, but right now, this team is clicking at both ends of the ice and playing with supreme confidence.
Betting Prediction
The Oilers are favored, but the value lies with momentum. If Edmonton doesn’t make immediate special teams adjustments and tighten up defensively, this could be a repeat of the first two games. The Kings have shown more depth, composure, and execution so far.
Pick: Kings ML (+122)
Prediction: Kings 4, Oilers 3
Lean: Over 6.0 (-112) – Two shaky defenses and elite offensive talent point toward another high-scoring tilt.
- NHL Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
