Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are both in the Oilers' lineup for the first time since March 18.
Trent Frederic will make his debut for the Oilers, adding a physical presence to the lineup.
Darcy Kuemper starts in goal for the Kings, the fourth different goalie to start against the Oilers in the past four years.
The Kings had the best home record in the NHL this season (31-6-4).
McDavid and Draisaitl have combined for 66 points in 18 playoff games against Los Angeles.
Why this matters: The return of key players for the Oilers and the Kings' home-ice advantage sets the stage for a competitive and closely watched series. The Kings are looking to break their streak of first-round losses to the Oilers and win their first playoff series since 2014.
The Oilers are getting healthier at the right time, with Draisaitl, Hyman, and Walman returning to the lineup. Frederic's debut adds a physical edge, while Skinner starts in goal. The absence of Ekholm on defense will be a challenge.
Projected Oilers lineup:
Hyman-McDavid-Brown
Podkolzin-Draisaitl-Arvidsson
Skinner-Nugent-Hopkins-Frederic
Janmark-Henrique-Perry
Nurse-Bouchard
Kulak-Walman
J.Brown-Emberson
S.Skinner
The Kings rely on their strong home record and the leadership of Kopitar and Kempe. Kuemper's performance in goal will be crucial. The Kings need to improve their power play to take advantage of opportunities.
Projected Kings lineup:
Kuzmenko-Kopitar-Kempe
Fiala-Byfield-Laferriere
Foegele-Danault-Moore
Malott-Helenius-Turcotte
Anderson-Doughty
Gavrikov-Spence
Edmundson-Clarke
Kuemper
McDavid vs. Kopitar:: A battle of star centers.
Oilers' Power Play vs. Kings' Penalty Kill:: Special teams could be a deciding factor.
Kuemper vs. Skinner:: Goaltending will be critical in a tight series.
Q: Who is starting in goal for the Oilers?
Stuart Skinner will start in goal for the Edmonton Oilers.
Q: Is Trent Frederic playing for the Oilers?
Yes, Trent Frederic is expected to make his debut for the Oilers in Game 1.
Q: What is the Kings' home record this season?
The Kings had a 31-6-4 home record, the best in the NHL.
The Oilers and Kings series is expected to be a tight, physical battle.
Key players returning from injury will impact both teams.
The Kings' home-ice advantage could be a significant factor.
Special teams play will be crucial.
This is the best Kings team the Oilers have faced in Round 1. And, it is fair to say, it’s time for L.A. to prove that their playing style and roster can get past the Oilers, once and for all.
Do you think the Oilers will continue their playoff dominance over the Kings, or will Los Angeles finally break through? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
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