Edmonton Oilers Face Key Injuries Ahead of Playoff Game 1 Against Kings

Oilers Versus Kings: Familiar Foes, Unfinished Business

The Edmonton Oilers are no strangers to hockey's spring drama, but this time they're rolling into Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings with their blue line stretched thin. Four defensemen—Troy Stecher, John Klingberg, Mattias Ekholm, and Alec Regula—are sitting out, and missing so many regulars shifts the tone before the puck even drops. Plus, forward Evander Kane joins them on the injury list, leaving the Oilers to patch holes against a Kings team hungry to knock them out for the fourth postseason in a row.

There’s a glimmer for Edmonton, though: Trent Frederic, who’s been nursing a day-to-day injury, is lined up to return just in time. His physical presence and forechecking will give the Oilers much-needed grit. Up front, the projected top line brings together Zach Hyman, offensive maestro Connor McDavid, and the steady Connor Brown—three skaters capable of tilting the ice in Edmonton’s favor. Behind them, Leon Draisaitl is set to take the center spot, flanked by Vasily Podkolzin and Viktor Arvidsson, a pairing that promises enough speed and skill to trouble LA’s defense.

Mixing New Faces and Old Resilience

If you're circling names on the roster, keep your eyes on Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jeff Skinner, and Corey Perry. Perry, who joined late in the season, brings years of playoff experience that can help stabilize a team under pressure. The Oilers will lean on their offense even more with their back end depleted. That means Evan Bouchard and the remaining healthy defensemen have to shoulder extra minutes, fill gaps quickly, and step up against a Kings lineup known for its relentless forecheck. With depth at center and proven clutch performers in the top six, Edmonton’s attack can carry them even if things get messy further back.

This matchup isn’t just about this year’s injuries or last year’s heartbreak. The Oilers and Kings have faced off in the postseason for three straight years, building up plenty of playoff animosity. Each meeting stokes old grudges, setting the stage for a hard-fought, high-intensity series. Edmonton feels the sting of last season’s championship disappointment and comes into Crypto.com Arena with something to prove—not just to their fans, but to themselves.

Puck drops at 8:00 p.m. MDT on Sportsnet, and if you’re craving more than just game time, Oilers+ has you covered with pre-game coverage and behind-the-scenes looks. As always, the opening match of a playoff series sets the tone for what might be a long, bitter battle. With players like McDavid and Draisaitl leading the charge, the Oilers hope their stars shine bright enough to overcome the injuries and ignite another deep postseason run.