Deja vu again (vu vu?) as the Oilers go for a hat-trick of first round wins over the Kings after beating them at this stage the past two seasons. Moreover, home teams like Edmonton have won the first six in these Stanley Cup playoffs, the first time that has happened since 1970, when among other matchups the Penguins swept the Oakland Seals. Edmonton has had LA's number, but both playoff matchups were highly competitive, and the Kings think they have a shot this time with their second-ranked penalty kill (84.6%) and recent work in goal by Cam Talbot (13-7-1 last 21 starts), who also has six playoff shutouts in his career. Home teams can't win every game...can they? Play Kings on Money Line

Feels like I fall into an Oilers trap this time of year all the time simply as a Stanley Cup Final with them in it -- especially against Toronto -- would be so fun to watch. It's certainly possible. Edmonton eliminated Los Angeles in six games last season and in seven games in 2022. The Oilers won three of the four games against the Kings this season, including both at home. All of those were after Kris Knoblauch replaced Jay Woodcroft as Edmonton's coach on Nov. 12.

This is a rematch of last year's playoffs' first round, where the LA Kings won 4-3 in OT at Edmonton. In that contest, the Oilers were -220, but they have improved their roster and now have a more balanced and efficient team. The Oilers learned a lot from that loss and eventually won the series in six games. They are currently ranked fifth in shots against and have a +461 shot differential. Last season, they were ranked 18th in shots against with a +182 shot differential. Edmonton has four players (McDavid, Draisaitl, Hyman, and Bouchard) ranked in the top 46 in points this season. Play Edmonton!