The Los Angeles Kings are a game away from upsetting the high-powered Edmonton Oilers.
Through five games, LAK is not widely outplaying EDM (15 goals for, 21 against), but has managed to eke out wins by keeping the game tight at 5v5 (11GF, 11GA) and out-working EDM at critical moments, especially off neutral-zone turnovers.
Game Five: 1-0 goal
With EDM regrouping, LAK falls back into its usual 1-3-1 NZ trap. EDM29 Leon Draisaitl spots a puck into the gap between LAK’s skaters, but LAK24 Philip Danault anticipates the pass into space and steps up to force a turnover.
With the puck up for grabs in the NZ, Kings forwards smell blood. Instead of widening out to create lateral passing options, they flood the strong side and push the play past EDM’s defenders.
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