LOS ANGELES — The Kings scored three power-play goals in their dominant game two over the Oilers, 6-2.
Heading into game two with a 1-0 series lead, it was important for the Kings to defend home ice. After the Oilers nearly pulled off a four-goal comeback in game one, Edmonton would hope to build off that momentum and even the series.
Similar to game one, the Kings dominated the first two periods and jumped out to a 3-1 lead. The question was if Los Angeles would have another meltdown in the final period.
Unlike the first game, the Kings kept the pedal to the metal and the offense exploded in the third. Los Angeles put in three goals and routed any chance Edmonton had to come back. Power plays were the biggest disparity in this game as the Kings heavily outperformed the Oilers. Los Angeles had five power plays and scored three goals. Edmonton, on the other hand, went scoreless on three power plays.
Along with the power plays, the long-tenured duo, Adrian Kempe and Anže Kopitar, both had spectacular performances. Kempe recorded four points from two goals and two assists. Kopitar matched Kempe’s four points with one goal and three assists.
In the blowout loss, Leon Draisaitl and Viktor Arvidsson both scored a goal for the Oilers. These goals were really the only bright spot Edmonton had in this game.
“We’ve been a really strong home team this year [and] we got home ice advantage. I think, going into the series, I think that was kind of our mentality,” said Adrian Kempe. “We build off what we’ve done all year at home.”
Crypto.com Arena has been backed up by the enormous fan support and that has uplifted the Kings’ momentum in the first two games. The Kings have been exceptional with power plays and overall offense, which has secured a 2-0 series lead in front of the home crowd.
Now Los Angeles will have to continue their success across the border as the next game will be in Edmonton on Friday. For the Kings to put away the Oilers, a game 3 victory would set up Los Angeles with complete control of the series.
