Oilers defeat Kings in high-scoring Game 1, lead series 1-0

The Edmonton Oilers are known for their explosive offense. The Los Angeles Kings found out how explosive in game one. Oilers forward Connor McDavid had five assists in Edmonton's 7-4 win over the Kings to take a 1-0 series lead. Forward Zach Hyman registered a hat trick in the win.

The Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers showcased offense in Game 1

The Kings, while scoring four goals, had no answer for the Oilers. Edmonton was playing in front of the home crowd and fed off of that energy, not that they needed additional help. The Kings came into this series as the underdog, yet scored enough goals to win but the defense had another rough night. Los Angeles got goals from Mikey Anderson, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Trevor Moore, and Adrian Kempe. Here are three things that stood out from this one:

Oilers offense came from everywhere

Edmonton scored seven goals in Game 1 and the offense was spread throughout the lineup. Hyman scored three goals, while Adam Henrique, Leon Draisaitl, Warren Foegele, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins lit the lamp for the home team. The depth scoring has to be one of the best in the league for Edmonton and that is what they need for playoff success. If the Oilers depth continues to pinch in with timely goals, this could be a quick series.

The Kings need to be more physical against the Oilers

Edmonton's offense contributed in a big way and the way they did this was evident throughout the season too. They were given too much time and too much space to operate. Most teams do not play a physical game against the Oilers but this is what the Kings need to do in game two. The Oilers get rattled when they get it and are in a scrum. Los Angeles has the players to do this and get them off of their game. The Los Angeles defense needs to tighten up and close gaps, eliminating the space that Edmonton lives off of. Lay the body against McDavid, Draisaitl, and Nugent-Hopkins to destroy their flow and timing. This strategy could be helpful as the Kings look to tie the series at one.

Special teams is key for the Kings

Edmonton is dangerous at 5-on-5 but giving them the man-advantage is asking for trouble. Edmonton went 3-for-4 in Game 1 and made it look easy, while Los Angeles was looking for answers. The Kings had a dominate penalty kill in the regular season but this did not look like the same penalty kill as the Oilers scored with ease. On the flip side, the Los Angeles power play came up empty, going 0-for-2 and did not create much in the offensive zone. Both special teams for the Kings need to change for game two before this series is 2-0.

Game one was typical Edmonton offense. They score at will if given the space and Los Angeles did just that, leaving nothing to be desired in the final minutes. The Kings offense did score four goals, which should have been enough in a playoff game, but the Oilers had other plans. A lot to change for the Kings before game two as they are better than their game one performance.