NHL News: Connor McDavid fires blunt warning to Kings, rest of the league about Oilers in the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Edmonton Oilers rallied from behind to secure a crucial Game 4 win over the Los Angeles Kings in the Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round. Edmonton hasn’t shown its best version yet, but has somehow managed to even the series at two games a piece, heading back to the City of Angels with a big wave of momentum. Ahead of Game 5, captain Connor McDavid voiced a stern message for the Kings and the rest of the NHL to listen to.

The Kings and Oilers have split their first round playoff series so far, with both teams prevailing on home ice. However, as the matchup shifts to Los Angeles, the Oilers will be looking to build off their recent wins and deliver a statement triumph at Crypto.com Arena, where they haven’t won since April 28, 2024 during the NHL postseason.

While the Oilers’ record in Los Angeles has been deflating, Connor McDavid remains a constant headache for the Kings. Despite appearing in control for much of the series, the Kings find themselves tied. That’s the advantage of having both McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in the lineup — they can tilt the ice with a single swoosh of the magic wand.

Both stars in Edmonton register 9 points through four games in the series, Evan Bouchard tallies 7, and the next in line is Corey Perry with 3. These numbers show the Kings are essentially struggling to contain the Oilers’ three-headed monster, which has put the team on their back and kept them alive. The Kings’ production is more balanced and evenly distributed through the lineup, yet it hasn’t translated in the series scoreboard.

v97skates against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on March 14, 2025 in Elmont, New York.

After rallying from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Kings 4-3 in overtime in Game 4, Connor McDavid issued a blunt warning to Los Angeles and the rest of the NHL about underestimating the Oilers.

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“I’m sure there’s lots of people that are doubting us still, but we like it that way,” McDavid confidently said postgame, per NHL.com. “Lots of people are counting us out, but we’re fighting to beat a good team. They’re a good team, they really are, and we’re fighting.”

Resilient team in Alberta

Winters in Alberta are not for the faint of heart. The extreme cold demands resilience from everyone just to get through daily life. The Oilers have made their hometown proud in that same spirit, battling until the final buzzer night in and night out.

After last season’s almost-historic rally from an 0-3 hole in the Stanley Cup Final, McDavid and the Oilers put their resilience on full display. Yet, it seems many have already forgotten about it.

Head coach Kris Knoblauch of the Edmonton Oilers speaks to the media during Media Day prior to the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 07, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida.

“We have a strong belief in here, a strong belief that we’re never out,” McDavid added. “People are doubting us. We’re putting ourselves in bad spots, but we’re working, we’re digging our way out and trying to find ways to win games and obviously, we found a way to tonight. It’s not the recipe for success but I’m proud of everyone, we found a way tonight.”

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Goalie change paid off

After subpar performances from Stuart Skinner in Games 1 and 2, Kris Knoblauch made a bold lineup change, subbing in Calvin Pickard on goal. Pickard came in in Skinner’s aid after allowing 5 goals in 28 shots during the crushing 6-2 loss.

Since Pickard has helped the Oilers pick up crucial victories at home. His Game 3 performance left some doubts, but in Game 4 Pickard played lights out, recording .927 save percentage, after allowing 3 goals in 41 shots faced. Most importantly, the Oilers secured the win, which is all that matters in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.