In an intense playoff matchup, the Edmonton Oilers secured a crucial 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings, taking a 3-2 lead in their first-round series. Mattias Janmark netted the tiebreaking goal early in the third period, while Evander Kane and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins also contributed to the scoreline. Calvin Pickard, the Oilers' goaltender, made 20 saves, leading to their third consecutive win and putting them one game away from advancing to the next round.

Despite a promising start, the Kings faltered after winning the first two games at home. They managed to score first in Game 5 with Andrei Kuzmenko's power-play goal, but the Oilers dominated possession throughout the game, outshooting Los Angeles 79-34 from the third period of Game 4 onwards. The Kings’ inability to maintain leads proved costly, as the Oilers turned the tide with strong offensive pressure.

Calvin Pickard will remain the starting goalie for the Edmonton Oilers in their crucial Game 5 against the Los Angeles Kings. Head coach Kris Knoblauch praised Pickard for his timely saves that have contributed to tying the series 2-2. After replacing Stuart Skinner in Game 2, Pickard has been instrumental in securing victories in Games 3 and 4.

Despite facing an average of 4.75 goals against per game, the highest in the playoffs, Pickard has managed a .889 save percentage and a 3.29 goals-against average in three postseason appearances. His regular-season performance saw him post a .900 save percentage with a 2.71 goals-against average, showcasing his ability to handle pressure during critical moments.

Evan Bouchard, the Edmonton Oilers' defenseman, is on a remarkable scoring spree, netting four goals in just two playoff games. He boasts impressive shot metrics, ranking in the 98th percentile for shot speed, but his defensive game remains a point of contention among critics. Some argue his statistics are enhanced by playing alongside stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

Michael Kesselring, drafted in the same year as Bouchard, reflects on his own journey with the Utah Hockey Club, expressing hopes of emulating Bouchard's offensive capabilities while also highlighting his physical play style. Kesselring's trade to the Oilers before the 2023 deadline gave him a different path than Bouchard's, yet he believes that with more opportunities, his offensive stats could rival Bouchard's. Both defensemen excel in shot speed, but Kesselring recognizes the challenge of earning ice time to showcase his abilities.

The NHL playoffs heat up with four critical games tonight as teams grapple with elimination and pivotal matchups. On Tuesday, fans can look forward to action from the Ottawa Senators, New Jersey Devils, Minnesota Wild, and Edmonton Oilers. The Senators seek to stave off elimination against the Toronto Maple Leafs after a thrilling overtime victory, while the Devils face a must-win situation against the Carolina Hurricanes. Pivotal Game 5s will be on display as the Wild take on the Golden Knights and the Oilers challenge the Kings. Expect a night filled with excitement, with potential for high-scoring games.