*Update: The Oilers are in the playoffs as the Winnipeg Jets lost 7-1 to the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday. A Jets loss was enough to secure a spot for Edmonton, who will be playing games for either home ice advantage or to secure a certain opponent.
In a low-event hockey game that felt like an afternoon afterthought, the Los Angeles Kings hung on for a 1-0 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. The loss means the Oilers didn’t punch their own ticket into the post-season, but could get in if the Philadelphia Flyers take care of the Winnipeg Jets later tonight.
There was a close goal for the Oilers as Curtis Lazar missed by an inch and Cody Ceci stole a puck off the goal line. That was about the best opportunity for Edmonton.
Meanwhile, with the win, the Kings now have 87 points with three games left. They’ll take on the Seattle Kraken, Vancouver Canucks, and Calgary Flames. The San Jose Sharks, who can max out at 89 points, would own a tiebreaker over L.A. if it came to that.
Connor Ingram returned to the net for Edmonton and played a fantastic game. Despite concerns about his health, he made some unbelievable saves, at times showing off his flexibility. He let only one shot get past him, an Artemi Panarin breakaway. Meanwhile, Anton Forsberg earned the shutout for the Kings. One tough turnover by Evan Bouchard was the difference.
The Oilers played a fairly sluggish game. It was not their best effort, and they made life too easy on Forsberg. This felt like an afternoon game, without much excitement. It felt like the Kings played a solid road game as the home team.
This felt like one of the first times the Oilers really missed the presence of both Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman. Connor McDavid was setting up his teammates for several good looks that weren’t finished. It was a good sign that the Oilers remained in the game, but if those two had been in the lineup, it would have been interesting to see how the outcome might have changed.
If this gets down to the wire and the Oilers don’t put an x beside their name in the standings, do Draisaitl or Hyman slot in to get the Oilers officially in?
It was also Anze Kopitar’s final regular-season home game.
Next: Canadiens Prospect Michael Hage Returning to Michigan: Now What?
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