The Los Angeles Kings sealed a 3-0 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, with Kevin Fiala marking his 30th goal of the season. Goaltender Darcy Kuemper earned his fifth shutout of the season, stopping 27 shots in the dominating victory. The Kings officially clinched a playoff spot later in the evening, following the Vegas Golden Knights’ 3-2 overtime win against the Calgary Flames.
Fiala’s performance was pivotal, with Andrei Kuzmenko and Trevor Lewis also contributing to the scoreboard for the Kings. The victory allowed Los Angeles to maintain its hold on second place in the Pacific Division, staying three points behind division-leading Vegas and four points ahead of third-place Edmonton.
Fiala and Kuemper Lead Kings to Victory
Fiala’s second-period goal was the game’s deciding factor, scored midway through the period off a rebound from an Alex Laferriere shot. While the Oilers were without star center Leon Draisaitl, who is recovering from a lower-body injury, Edmonton struggled to break through Kuemper’s stellar performance in net.
“I thought we played a solid team game,” Kuemper said after the game. “It’s always great to get a shutout, but it’s about the whole team effort. We stayed tight defensively.”
Oilers’ Struggles Amid Draisaitl’s Absence
Edmonton entered the game with momentum, having won three consecutive games. However, without Draisaitl, who is expected to return before the playoffs begin on April 19, the Oilers lacked their usual firepower. Goaltender Calvin Pickard made 26 saves, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Kings’ offensive barrage.
Key Moments: Fiala and Kempe Break Records
A key moment in the game occurred in the second period when a potential first career goal for Edmonton’s Jeff Malott was overturned after an Edmonton coach’s challenge. The play was ruled offside, but the Kings’ offense quickly took charge, leading to their commanding victory.
Fiala’s goal was his 30th of the season, joining Adrian Kempe as the first pair of Kings players to each reach 30 goals in a season since Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown in 2007-08.
“Both Fiala and Kempe have been key contributors all season,” said Kings head coach Todd McLellan. “Their consistency has been huge for us down the stretch.”
Kings Playoff Bound: Focus Shifts to Final Regular-Season Games
With the win, the Kings are now set for a playoff appearance, awaiting their final regular-season matchups. Los Angeles will host the Seattle Kraken on Monday night, while the Oilers will visit the Anaheim Ducks.
The game also featured notable contributions from the Kings’ first line. Since Andrei Kuzmenko’s arrival in Los Angeles, he, Anze Kopitar, and Adrian Kempe have combined for 17 goals and 22 assists in the past 16 games. Kuzmenko’s chemistry with his new teammates has been crucial in Los Angeles’ push for the postseason.
Oilers Debut New Addition
Edmonton made a notable roster change before the game, as forward Trent Frederic made his Oilers debut. Frederic, who was acquired from Boston in a three-team trade on March 4, had been sidelined with an ankle injury. His addition to the lineup provides the Oilers with added depth as they look to regain their full strength for the playoffs.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
With the regular season winding down, both teams will continue their push to secure the best possible seeding for the playoffs. The Kings, who are just three points behind the Golden Knights, will face the Seattle Kraken on Monday, while the Oilers aim to bounce back against the Anaheim Ducks.
As both teams gear up for the postseason, fans can expect intense competition in the Pacific Division, with both squads locked in tight battles for position.
