NHL News: Connor McDavid sends clear message after Oilers eliminate Kings for fourth straight year

The Edmonton Oilers have once again sent the Los Angeles Kings home in the opening round of the Western Conference playoffs, marking the fourth consecutive season the Canadian powerhouse has ended the Kings’ postseason hopes. With a thrilling 6-4 win in Game 6, the Oilers closed out the best-of-seven series and punched their ticket to the second round, where it will face the Vegas Golden Knights in what promises to be a high-intensity showdown.

As in past matchups, the path to victory was anything but straightforward. After dropping the first two games in Los Angeles, the Oilers found themselves in a vulnerable position. Yet, led by captain Connor McDavid, the team responded with resilience and determination, rattling off four straight wins to take the series.

“Obviously, we want to have a better start in the next series. We’ll focus on that, and we should be proud of this one,” McDavid told NHL.com. “L.A. is a great team, and it’s not easy to beat a team four years straight. It was a fun series to be a part of, fun to come out on the good side.”

McDavid praises Oilers’ grit in comeback effort

McDavid credited the team’s mindset and willpower in flipping the series after an early deficit. “Just digging in, just willed it out,” he said. “Two of the gutsier wins that I’ve been a part of here in Edmonton for Games 3 and 4, just not being denied, and that’s a credit to everyone in this room. We dug ourselves out of tough, tough spots against a stingy, stingy team.”

Health turnaround played crucial role

Another factor in Oilers’ surge was the return of several key players. The team had battled injuries late in the regular season, but the postseason brought back major contributors who made their presence felt against the Kings. Alongside McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the Oilers welcomed back Zach Hyman, Evander Kane, and Trent Frederic up front, along with defensemen Jake Walman and John Klingberg.

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“I think you saw early in the series we just looked a step behind,” McDavid noted. “Give them credit, too, they were ready to roll. They wanted it to be different. They were ready those first two games. They played great, but guys got their legs under them, a little bit of momentum. Those Games 3 and 4, I can’t say how big those were.”

Oilers now set sights on defending champs

Next up for Oilers is a rematch with the Golden Knights, who eliminated the Minnesota Wild in six games. The two clubs last met in the postseason during the 2023 second round, a series Vegas won in six en route to hoisting the Stanley Cup.

“I’m looking forward to it, they’re a great team,” McDavid said. “Obviously, they’ve won. They’re solid through the back end, solid through the middle of the rink, are deep. There’s eight teams left, they’re all good, they’re left for a reason. We got our work cut out for us, but we’ll be ready to go.”