Anze Kopitar scored in overtime to secure a 5-4 victory for the Los Angeles Kings against the Edmonton Oilers, tying their Western Conference first-round series 1-1.
Anze Kopitar’s goal just over two minutes into overtime was a game-changer. It handed the Los Angeles Kings a thrilling 5-4 victory against the Edmonton Oilers. This action-packed showdown took place Wednesday night, right at Rogers Place in Edmonton. Suddenly, the series was tied 1-1.
Game 3? It’s set for Friday at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Kopitar wasn’t just any player on the ice that night. He matched Luc Robitaille’s record for the most playoff games in Kings history, hitting 94. And how did he secure the win? By snagging a carom off the boards, breaking away, and firing the puck past Stuart Skinner. Right where it hurts – high on the glove side.
The Kings’ 36-year-old captain didn’t stop there. He also bagged two assists. “I expect it out of him, to be honest,” said Los Angeles defenseman Drew Doughty during a post-game chat on TBS. He had this gut feeling, see. Doughty just knew Kopitar was the man to clinch it for them that night.
And Doughty? He wasn’t just a spectator; he scored too. Adrian Kempe was on fire with two goals, and Kevin Fiala added another to the Kings’ tally. Meanwhile, the Oilers weren’t just watching. Dylan Holloway netted two, including a crucial equalizer that made it 4-4 early in the third period. Zach Hyman and Brett Kulak also found the back of the net for Edmonton.
Despite the Oilers’ efforts, Los Angeles managed to keep Edmonton’s star players, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, relatively quiet. Each only notched an assist. Quite the night, huh?