The Edmonton Oilers lost 1-0 to the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday in a low-scoring game that left them still needing help to reach the playoffs. The Oilers now remain in a tight race for a post-season berth and will need the Philadelphia Flyers to beat the Winnipeg Jets later in the night.
The Kings’ lone goal came on a breakaway by Artemi Panarin, the only shot to beat Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram. It was a strong bounce-back performance for Ingram, who returned to net and made 29 saves, including a handful of highlight-reel stops. Los Angeles goaltender Anton Forsberg picked up the shutout, making 28 saves of his own.
Edmonton had a few golden chances but failed to capitalize. Curtis Lazar rang a shot off the post early in the second period, and Cody Ceci cleared the puck off the goal line in the third. Those were two of the few chances Edmonton generated in what was a slow, uncharacteristic performance.
The Oilers played without key contributors Leon Draisaitl and Zach Hyman, and their absence was evident. Connor McDavid had the team’s best chances, setting up multiple scoring opportunities, but his linemates failed to convert. The Oilers had just 24 shots on goal compared to the Kings’ 25.
With the win, the Kings now have 87 points and sit in a tie for the final playoff spot. They have three games remaining against the Seattle Kraken, Vancouver Canucks, and Calgary Flames. The San Jose Sharks, who can reach a maximum of 89 points, hold the tiebreaker over Los Angeles if the two teams end up tied.
The Oilers, who have 86 points, will return home for a fan-tribute game against the Colorado Avalanche on Monday. They have two games left, and with the Flyers and Jets also in the mix, the race for the final playoff spots remains wide open.
Anze Kopitar played his final regular-season home game for the Kings, as the veteran center prepares for what may be the final chapter of his storied career.
Next up for the Oilers is Monday night’s matchup against the Avalanche. If they want to punch their own ticket, it starts there.
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