Mike Smith, Oilers blank Kings 2-0 in Game 7 to reach second round
EDMONTON — Connor McDavid had a aim and an help because the Edmonton Oilers superior by to the second spherical of the Stanley Cup playoffs with a 2-0 Sport 7 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday.
Cody Ceci additionally scored and Mike Smith made 28 saves for his second shutout of the playoffs for the Oilers, who final received a Sport 7 in1998 and celebrated their first playoff collection win since 2017.
Jonathan Quick made 39 saves in a dropping effort for the Kings, who haven’t received a playoff collection since they received their second Stanley Cup in 2014, additionally the final yr they received a collection in a Sport 7.
There was no scoring in a tense opening interval, with the Oilers placing 10 pictures on Jonathan Fast, whereas the Kings despatched seven on Edmonton starter Mike Smith. Fast got here into the sport with a 4-0 profession document in Sport 7s.
Edmonton got here near scoring halfway although the second when a puck was heading over the aim line in a scramble, however was fished to security simply in time by Kings ahead Andreas Athanasiou.
The Oilers lastly broke the impasse with 6:45 remaining within the second interval as McDavid fed a move from behind the web to a pinching Ceci, who rifled a shot over Fast’s shoulder.
Edmonton got here near extending its lead a pair occasions early within the third as Josh Archibald narrowly missed placing a puck by Fast’s legs and Kailer Yamamoto hit a put up with most of an open internet to shoot at.
The Oilers lastly obtained some insurance coverage with 3:53 left within the third on a terrific particular person effort from McDavid, who drove behind the web earlier than sending his second backhand try into it for his fourth aim and league-leading 14th playoff level. McDavid had a number of level efforts in six of the seven video games within the collection.
The Oilers will now advance to play the winner of the Calgary Flames/Dallas Stars collection — which will probably be determined in a Sport 7 of its personal on Sunday.
Notes: Oilers defenceman Darnell Nurse returned after serving a one-game suspension in Sport 6 for head-butting Phillip Danault in Sport 5 … There was some concern after Oilers Leon Draisaitl and Brett Kulak missed the morning skate, however each have been in a position to play, leaving the Oilers will a wholesome roster to select from … The Kings remained with out Viktor Arvidsson (decrease physique), Drew Doughty (wrist) and Sean Walker (knee) … There have been no scoring modifications in any of the video games of the collection, with the staff that scored first successful every encounter.
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Could 14, 2022.
Shane Jones, The Canadian Press
